Oklahoma state officials are in the process of investigating the cause of the sudden deaths of a number of horses on a ranch famous as a supplier of stock for rodeos. Food tainted with the drug, brand name Rumensin, used for cattle, but when fed to horses, can prove to be deadly, is the suspected cause of so many deaths.
Horse and rider coming to sudden stop on command during a rodeo.
Tainted feed is believed to be cause of death of horses on famous breeding ranch that provides animal stock for rodeos.
© 2013 by Edward Dalmulder New window.
“ODAFF received word from a veterinarian last Friday, August 23, of a potential issue with horses relating to a single bulk feed order for Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. As the state regulator of animal feed, an inspector visited the Beutler and Son site on behalf of the department on Monday, August 26, and learned that the feed originated in Kansas. The ODAFF inspector collected a feed sample which is being analyzed in two state-certified laboratories.
“ODAFF has informed the Kansas Department of Agriculture of the inspector’s site visit and continues to work in coordination with KDA. ODAFF has assisted Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. with carcass disposal to ensure all state regulations were adhered to.
“State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall encourages all livestock and pet owners to be judicious in reviewing labels on feed provided to animals in their care and contact a veterinarian with whom they have a strong veterinary-client-patient relationship if they have questions about the safety of their feed or ingredients.”
Press release by Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry