Western Milling recalls horse feed due to possible monensin contamination

Western Milling has voluntarily recalled 50-pound bags of Western Blend horse feed, lot 5251, manufactured on September 8, 2015, due to possible monensin contamination, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) release. Western Milling initiated the recall after learning that the bags in question may contain monensin, which is an ionophore. The recall comes after notification of the deaths of several horses reported to have eaten the feed at the same facility.

Clinical signs of ionophore poisoning in horses vary depending on the amount ingested but can include inappetence, diarrhea, weakness, rapid heart rate, labored breathing, depression, decreased exercise tolerance, wobbly gait, colic, sweating, recumbency and sudden death, according to the release. The first signs are often seen between 12 and 72 hours after ingestion of a toxic dose and may linger for about eight days. Permanent cardiac damage is possible in horses that show adverse effects but later recover.

The feed affected by this recall was distributed in September 2015 to stores in California and Arizona. All stores where the bags were sold have been notified and all but 67 of the 1,100 affected bags have been reclaimed by the company, according to the release. Horse owners and managers are urged to examine any bags of Western Blend horse feed to check and see if they have lot 5251. Bags with this lot number may be returned to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.

For more information call Western Milling at (559) 302-1062.