Disease Alerts

Number Suspected: 15; 
Number Exposed: Unknown; 
Facility Type: Private Facility; 
Usage: Breeding; 
Clinical Signs: A Quarter Horse breeding farm had 15 horses become acutely ill since December 3rd. Two horses died within 48 hours of onset of clinical signs, 10 were euthanized due to rapid clinical decline within the same time frame, and 2 are still alive at the LSU veterinary teaching hospital. Clinical signs start as muscle tremors focused on postural muscles but progress to whole body tremors and the horses will repeatedly lay down and show signs of agitation. Within 3 hours the horses progressed to lateral recumbency and were unable to roll into sternal or stand. When recumbent cranial nerves appear intact, except for 3-4 horses who demonstrated decreased tongue tone, and mentation is normal. Motor function to all four limbs is intact and horses will transiently paddle violently while laterally recumbent but are responsive to voice and touch during these episodes. Reflexes and tail and anal tone are normal. Sensation to the distal limbs appears decreased when recumbent. Horses have a normal temperature, heart rates are moderately elevated (50 to 60 beats per minute) with no arrhythmias or heart murmurs. No other significant abnormalities are appreciated on physical examination.; Vaccination Status: Vaccinated;
Comments: Preliminary investigation has suggested contamination of a common feed source is responsible for the disease suspected to be botulism. One potential source includes alfalfa hay cubes produced in Colorado. Owners with Horses showing similar signs should contact their veterinarian immediately. Veterinarians should report any suspect positive horses to Dr. Rose Baker at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Louisiana State University (225) 578-9500). The investigation is ongoing and when further information is known, additional details will be released. For more information on botulism go to Botulism factsheet.https://www.equinediseasecc.org/botulism