Botulism - the cause of 100 equine deaths in Ocala

[Horseaholic]

I remember someone posted the original article about the horses and this was in the Ocala StarBanner today.


http://www.ocala.com/article/20081103/NEWS/811030277/0/APA

[Equine_Woman]

That's so so sad. I was just telling my friend about that. We knew of a barn that lost about 10 horses in one day because of some sort of fumigation in the feed. It was a barn we boarded at for years so it was a little too close to home. So sad when something like this happens.

[WashingtonBay]

Did we ever learn what business this 'breeding farm' is in? I have a feeling they are not top-dollar show horses. PMU? Slaughter?

[alittleoffkey]

What on earth is haylege? :huh:

[Arrow]

I don't know, but I'll be avoiding it!

[walkinthewalk]

What on earth is haylege? :huh:

It's what I thought it was, but had to look it up to be sure ---- essentially green chop.

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/haylage

[alittleoffkey]

Huh. Well, that's interesting. Thanks walkin! :)

[Equine_Woman]

Did we ever learn what business this 'breeding farm' is in? I have a feeling they are not top-dollar show horses. PMU? Slaughter?

I don't know, but I know I read they are an embryo transfer farm. And he has client's mares there so I doubt it's PMU or slaughter. It's likely the recip mares that he keeps that are fed the haylage.

[Gypsy Rose]

It's bad enough to lose 1 or 2, but 100? That's really sad. That's one of the problems when so many horses are fed the same food source- one bit of contamination, and all can end up sick.

[Mandzanita]

Someone who commented on the article mentioned something about most of the mares being surrogates. Someone also mentioned that it seemed fishy because they were insured (thought I'm not sure if that's fact) I find it weird that two vets would feed their horses that type of hay/feed. Is feeding Hayledge a standard thing in that area. From the article it said it was grass cut, rolled and then allowed to ferment....you don't have to be a vet to know feeding fermented ANYTHING is just asking for trouble..:(:huh:

[FoxFireEMT]

That is terrible. "shakes head"

[Bessie13]

Good morning and hello.

I don't know a lot about this subject but I do know a little bit. Hopefully, it isn't too dangerous? Anyway, my daughter-in-law worked at this farm over the summer. She did her internship there. The farm is called "Equitransfer" of Ocala, FL. They raise and train Paso Fino Horses. They also have a huge herd of recipient mares for their equitransfer business. They are said to have one of the highest success rates of embryo transfers in the united states, about 85% if that is right?

About the "Hayledge". From my understanding, it is actually cow quality hay. It contains a moisture level from 40-60%, whereas horse quality hay should contain a moisture level of 20% or below. Also, from my understanding this farm routinely has their incoming hay checked to insure it is suitable for their horse herd. Which is still quite a risk when you are banking on the health of your recipient mares. The owners of the farm are both veterinarians and understood what they were feeding and the risks involved. Unfortunately, this batch of "hayledge" went undected and was fed to all the recipient mares. It is the only food that they receive on the farm. The farm is actually in 3-4 locations around the Ocala area and holds in excess of 400 mares. Most of the recipient mares are Paso Fino mares but they have all kinds.

The mares themselves may not hold a lot of value, but the embryos that they were carrying or were scheduled to carry hold a great deal of value. This farm is said to have one of the top Paso Fino Stallions in the entire world. He is a senior horse and his sperm is still highly sought after. Although, sorry but I do not know his name, but some of you Paso lovers just might?

I think all in all it was a tragedy, hopefully one that they will learn from and never be repeated again. Not sure if this information helped anyone or not, but it is what I have been told.

[WashingtonBay]

Thanks for the added info about the facility, it's very helpful to understanding.

And welcome to the forum!