Please note this item if you have horses. http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/VetScience/Mayupdate.htm

This is really a crisis. I don't have any horses, but I'm wondering if there is any possibility that the feed comes from genetically engineered seed and this might be a problem. Those seeds really concern me for my own farm animals. I hope they find the answer soon.

-- Mary in East TN (barnwood@preferred.com), May 09, 2001

Answers

Mary,

Saw on local Lexington news that they think it's related either to the outbreak of tent caterpillars or has something to do with our drought and the fact that the pastures are carrying toxins that are usually washed away.

-- nobrabbit (conlane@prodigy.net), May 09, 2001.

They are having the same troubles with cattle out here... Sounds like the same disease (?). It hasn't taken quite so much of a hold on the cattle though. Mainly, it seems to be in northern CA and in Utah... Two seperate cases, apparently. They fear its going to hit OR soon.

Thanks for the info -

-- Sue Diederich (willow666@rocketmail.com), May 10, 2001.

Makes you wonder if the were worming with Quest. Sue do the folks in your area use Cydectin Pour On Cattle dewormer? Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), May 10, 2001.

What do they think it is? I missed it on the news the other night. Everything I read really says nothing. We have been getting enough rain so that the fesue isn't stressed, its thick and green. How close are these horses in an area? Lexington? My little filly isn't bred, but I did have 2 goats loose their babies in Feb. and Mar. This is very sad for all the mare owners, how they must look forward to the foals, and then to loose them. A horse carries a long time.

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@msn.com), May 10, 2001.

The feeling is now that the problem is related to unusual weather conditions in this region which contributed to the production of mycotoxins (like the toxin in moldy corn)in the grass, a similar but much more acute situation to the endophyte problem in fescue grass which causes very similar problems.

The second problem that has been identified is now a high percentage of mares that were bred and checked in foal at 18 to 21 days have been ultrasounded at 60 days and are being found open or carrying a dead fetus, some farms the percentage is as high as 40% I've heard.

And finally, they are saying they are now seeing problems in horses other than pregnant mares, yearlings, geldings, etc. Lack of weight gain or actual weight loss, immune system supression, even heart problems ... pericardial fluid ...

I lost a foal from my 20-year old TB mare from this ... 3 weeks early and never got up. An earlier warmblood foal had no problems. A lady who bred to one of my studs lost her foal the same week, same situation.

For more detailed information see www.bloodhorse.com

-- SFM in KY (timberln@hyperaction.net), May 13, 2001.

Hi,I dont live in the Ky area, but have you spoken to your county extention agent about this? he/she may know what to suggest or who to talk to. they can do a soil analysis for you usually free or cheaply. It almost sounds like endophyte poisoning from the toxins in fescue grass to me. Your vet can do a necropsy on any animal that you lose from this. I know it isnt pleasant to think about on your own animals but it could help you save so many more if you could help figure this out. Good luck, I hope you dont lose any more animals!!

-- pc (everyequine@hotmail.com), May 13, 2001.

Just heard today on news that they (scientist investigating)have connected the foal deaths to the cherry trees and tent catapillars in Ky.In every case cherry trees have been on premises. They say they haven't come up with exact reason so far...but years ago I knew it was not good for stock to eat cherry tree leaves,,may be certain varieties. Sure hope they come up with the EXACT cause real soon and stop the sad foal deaths...I feel for all you horse owners that have been affected,,,I raised horses in WV and the foals were my special love.

-- Patsy, MT (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), May 23, 2001.

We had one Wild Cherry here on the farm and we cut it down as soon as we got here 4 years ago. They are very toxic, and the wilted leaves are poisonous to all livestock, even goats.

-- Cindy in KY (solidrockranch@hotmail.com), May 23, 2001.