Written by Benjamin Espy, DVM
Many horse owners feed alfalfa hay to supplement their horse
and is a very efficient source of protein and calcium. Alfalfa hay requires
very specific growing conditions and is primarily harvested in the western United
States. Even if you are using alfalfa that has been harvested months or years
previously, your horse is still at risk for blister beetle toxicity.
The blister beetle (Epicauta) is highly toxic to sheep and
cattle, but primarily to horses. As little as four (4) to six (6) grams of
blister beetles can be deadly to an 1100 lb. horse. Blister beetles swarm in
alfalfa fields and are drawn into bales by accident. Even small parts of these
beetles are toxic to a horse. Whole insects need not be present to be dangerous.
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