By Paulick Report
Western Milling of Goshen, Calif., issued a voluntary recall for their Western Blend Horse Feed because of possible monensin contamination.
Last week, three horses died and dozens became ill at Black Fence Farm in Fresno County. It’s believed that the horses became ill from the feed they consumed. The FDA has not yet confirmed this suspicion.
The recall affects LOT 5251, manufactured on September 8, 2015. The feed was distributed to stores in California and Arizona in September. There are 1,100 bags being recalled, and all but 67 bags have already been reclaimed by Western Milling.
The FDA states that clinical signs of ionophore poisoning in horses can vary depending on the amount ingested, but symptoms can include poor appetite, weakness, rapid heart rate, labored breathing, depression, colic, sweating, recumbency, and sudden death.
The first clinical symptoms of exposure to an ionophore like monensin are often noted between 12 and 72 hours after the horse has ingested contaminated feed; if the horse recovers, permanent cardiac damage is possible.
Consumers are urged to examine any bags of Western Blend horse feed purchased in September 2015 to check and see if they have Lot 5251. Any bags with this lot number may be returned to the stores where they were purchased for a full refund.
For more information, contact Western Milling at 559-302-1062.