DOVER — The Office of the State Veterinarian issued an alert via the Delaware Department of Agriculture on May 30 to notify the public of cases of neurological disease in …
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DOVER — The Office of the State Veterinarian issued an alert via the Delaware Department of Agriculture on May 30 to notify the public of cases of neurological disease in horses in the Kent County area.
According to the alert, many of the cases have been associated with a corn-based feed purchased in April. Owners are encouraged to contact their supplier to see if they are aware of any related concerns.
According to the agency, the symptoms were recorded by area veterinarians between April 22 and May 17.
Three samples of feed returned with levels of fungal toxin Fumonisin that significantly exceeded the FDA threshold of five parts per million. The actual levels were recorded at 31-101 ppm, according to the release.
The toxin causes softening of the brain and subsequent neurologic signs including lethargy, head pressing, wobbly gait, tremoring, and circling, and progression to recumbency and death.
Animal owners who believe they may have purchased contaminated feed are instructed by the agency to cease all use and dispose of the feed immediately.
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