Feed Contaminated with Monensin Recalled in Florida

Lakeland Animal Nutrition, a subsidiary of Alltech, is voluntarily recalling horse feed manufactured between September 8 and October 8 due to Monensin contamination.

Here is the recall notice that can also be located on Lakeland’s Facebook page:

Please be advised that the following horse feed(s) are being voluntarily recalled by Lakeland. It has come to our attention that there may be a quality issue with the equine feeds named and produced as listed below:

* Signature Status Pellet (Lot Number 14-251) – Manufacture Date: September 8

* Signature Equilete Pellet (Lot Number 14-259) – Manufacture Date: September 16

* Signature Status Pellet (Lot Number 14-280) – Manufacture Date: October 7

* LAN 10 Pellet (Lot Number 14-281) – Manufacture Date: October 8

If you are in possession of any of these affected products, please return the product(s) to your dealer immediately for a full refund. The specific lot number can be found on the front center of the feed bag. The photos on this post indicate the location of the lot number.

As a measure of caution, Lakeland is suspending the manufacture and sale of all equine feeds until further notice.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation. Please message us with any questions or call us at 863-665-5722 (M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

RateMyHorsePRO reports three horses have already died from Monensin contamination with another nineteen exhibiting fatal symptoms at Masterpiece Equestrian Center located in south Florida. Monensin is a compound used in cattle feed that is poisonous to horses. The symptoms include colic-like symptoms, excessive sweating, bloody nostrils, extreme weight loss, paralysis, and renal failure.

The first horse died October 15 after colic-like symptoms and the second was euthanized two days later. Results of the pony’s necropsy obtained by Rate My Horse PRO state, “the presence of a high level of monesin within the pelleted feed and trace amounts within gastric contents and heart tissue confirm the suspicion of monensin toxicosis in this horse. There was multifocal minimal to mild degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscle and a few scattered areas of skeletal muscle necrosis consistent with acute monensin toxicosis.” A third horse died shortly after.

On November 4, Lakeland made this announcement:

As we look ahead to 2015 and continue to streamline and develop advanced nutritional solutions for our customers, we have made the difficult decision to cease production of all equine feeds effective immediately.

Yesterday, Lakeland issued this statement:

We are very saddened by the sicknesses and deaths of the horses at Masterpiece Equestrian in Davie, Florida, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the owners and everyone involved.

There have been a number of inaccurate reports circulating. Please rest assured that Lakeland Animal Nutrition takes this situation very seriously. We have been cooperating with all of the authorities investigating the matter, and we have been in communication with representatives of Masterpiece Equestrian. An internal investigation is also underway.

Our thoughts are with the Masterpiece Equestrian family, and, although their horses could never be replaced, we are committed to doing all we can to bring comfort to them in their suffering.

If you have any more information on this breaking news, shout out in the comments.

Go Riding!