Dozens Of Horses Suddenly Die At Oklahoma Ranch, Prompting State Investigation-StreamlineSimplicity

當前位置：當前位置：首頁 > Knowledge > Dozens Of Horses Suddenly Die At Oklahoma Ranch, Prompting State Investigation 正文

Dozens Of Horses Suddenly Die At Oklahoma Ranch, Prompting State Investigation

[Knowledge] 時間：2024-09-09 06:41:36 來源：StreamlineSimplicity 作者：explore 點擊：65次

LOADINGERROR LOADING

State agricultural officials are investigating after dozens of horses reportedly fell ill and died last week at an Oklahoma ranch that’s known for breeding generations of award-winning rodeo livestock.

As many as 40 to 70 horses died at the Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. farm near Elk City, which is about 110 miles west of Oklahoma City, after eating a bulk feed that’s suspected of having been contaminated, according to local reports.

The ranch’s co-owner, Bennie Beutler, told local station News 9 that the horses started dying not long after eating the feed.

A woman reaches out to a horse. Dozens of horses reportedly died at an Oklahoma ranch last week after eating a bulk feed that's suspected of having been contaminated.

“We put the feed out and we lost a couple that morning, lost some more that afternoon,” Beutler said. “I said ‘It’s gotta be the feed, they don’t just lay down and do that.’”

Kaitlyn Hall, who owns the Lazy H Equine ranch a few miles away, told ABC affiliate KOCO that Beutler “got some new feed from a new supplier.”

Beutler told News 9 that his ranch, which has been breeding rodeo livestock since 1929, still has 140 horses. Some of them are very young, however, and will need to be bottle-fed after losing their mothers.

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry confirmed in a statement to HuffPost that it is investigating the incident after a veterinarian reached out last Friday.

The feed may have contained monensin, which is given to livestock like cows and sheep but is toxic to horses.

A sample of the feed is being analyzed in two state-certified laboratories. Because the feed originated from Kansas, state authorities there were also contacted, Oklahoma officials said.

A representative with the Kansas Department of Agriculture told HuffPost in an email Friday that is reviewing the feed company’s records, labeling procedures, and operating procedures “to ensure that the appropriate protocols for feed are being followed.” The cause behind the illnesses remains unknown at this time, they added.

Though officials have not said yet what may have contaminated the feed, multiple outlets have pointed to a drug called monensin sodium as a potential cause. Dr. Gregg VeneKlasen, a veterinarian based in Texas who cares for the Beutler horses, told The Oklahoman that the feed was mixed with a large amount of it.

Monensin, also known by the brand name Rumensin, is used to improve the health of cattle, sheep, goats, and chickens when used as a feed ingredient. Monensin is toxic to horses and domestic animals like dogs, however.

In a statement, Ohio’s state veterinarian, Dr. Rod Hall, reminded livestock and pet owners to be judicious in reviewing animal food labels before feeding and to contact a veterinarian if they have any questions or concerns.

Support Free Journalism

Consider supporting HuffPost starting at $2 to help us provide free, quality journalism that puts people first.

Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. We hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.

Support HuffPost

Representatives with Beutler did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s requests for comment Friday.

Support Free Journalism

Consider supporting HuffPost starting at $2 to help us provide free, quality journalism that puts people first.

Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. We hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.

Support HuffPost

Animals