Susan G., Heidi S., I just received my latest issue of
Western Dairymen, and i really DO NOT need to be reminded that
horses are NOT dairy cows; However, there was a discussion about a
disease called Clostridium perfringins that affects cows, and I believe it is a
Clostridium disease, Tetani (sp.?) that affects many species, horses, humans,
etc. Several vets were Questioned on a round table forum. One
paragraph caught my eye:
Have you noticed any environmental or nutritional conditions that can lead to HBS?
Dr. Holland (DVM of the North Valley Veterinary Clinic, in Gooding, Idaho)
answers "We see a higher incidence ....when any moldy feed is presented to
the cows. The mold we typically see is found in the haylage, and sometimes
in commodity feeds. the most offending commodity in our area
seems to be beet pulp.
I actually retrieved the issue out of the garbage can as that last
statement really kept bugging me; I would sure feel better if this was
checked out; I have often worried about the shredded beet pulp I get from
a popular dealer here in North California; the stuff is very dry, but
could have been moldy before dehydration. I do not have allergys, but that
beet pulp can sure make me sneeze. i am thinking I might not use it
anymore; mold is not good horse food..renie
