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Clostridium Botulinum Type C in Hay Cubes Linked to the Deaths of at Least 20 Horses in Louisiana

Louisiana – Alfalfa hay cubes contaminated with Clostridium botulinum type C have been linked to the deaths of at least 20 horses in Louisiana and 28 similar deaths in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). The cubes, manufactured by Manzanola Feeds LLC, have been recalled due to the presence of animal remains, which can harbor the bacteria that causes botulism. If horses have consumed the affected cubes and show symptoms of illness, such as tremors, difficulty eating or standing, or collapse, owners are advised to contact a veterinarian and report the illness to the FDA.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), in collaboration with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory (CAHFS), confirmed the presence of Clostridium botulinum type C in alfalfa hay cubes linked to the deaths of at least 20 horses in Louisiana. This episode has also been related to at least 28 similar horse deaths in New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado, as well as numerous other horses being clinically unwell. Equine botulism is a disorder caused by Clostridium botulinum’s bacterial toxin. The disease in this case was most likely caused by direct intake of the toxin generated by the vegetative bacteria via contamination of the alfalfa hay cubes.

Following reports that horses in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas had neurologic signs compatible with botulism, the FDA launched an inquiry in collaboration with state departments. LDAF Investigators acquired information about suspected alfalfa hay cube adulteration with animal remains throughout their inquiry. LDAF investigators later confirmed the presence of animal remains in an unopened 50-pound bag of “Top of the Rockies Alfalfa Horse Cubes” (Lot # 111422) manufactured by Manzanola Feeds LLC, a feed manufacturing company in Manzanola, CO. This discovery suggested that material from an animal or animals had been integrated into the cubes during the alfalfa harvesting process. The bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism, is typically found in decomposing animal corpses.

Manzanola Feeds has recalled Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes with the date codes 111222, 111322, 111422, 111522, and 111622 as a result of the ongoing investigation. If you have Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes with these date codes, or you can’t be sure of the date code of the products you have, throw them away in a secure container and follow the handling and cleaning instructions found at https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-cautions-horse-owners-not-feed-recalled-lots-top-rockies-alfalfa-cubes-due-reports-illness-and.

Consult a veterinarian right away if your horse consumed this product and exhibits symptoms of neurologic illness, such as muscular tremors, trouble eating or swallowing, difficulty standing, or collapse. You can also report the sickness to the FDA via the Safety Reporting Portal or by phoning the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators in your state. If possible, provide the brand name and lot number of the food your horse consumed.

If you fed this product with the accompanying lot number or no lot stamp at all to your animal(s), and they were ill or died unexpectedly with neurologic clinical indications, please contact the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry at 1-855-452-5323.

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