Winter Barn Rodents - Creating An Alternative Non-Toxic Poison Blend that really works!

Recently I ran across a farmer on You Tube with a recipe consisting of 50% honey muffin mix and 50% baking soda as an alternative to safely eradicating rodents from our barns and stables. We gave it a try. I can say, with in a few weeks, our problem was resolved. We ran across a few of the deceased rats laying around on the grounds in fact. The wonderful part about this alterative method is that it is non-toxic to other animals including prey animals who might discover the dead mice and rats and make a meal out of them. We placed quite a few of these containers in our barns and stables and around our garden area for cents on the dollar and we used old ice cream tubs. Click the link below for detailed instructions on creating this non-toxic method of rodent control that really does work!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBeySuYvdbY

FDA Recall - Top Of The Rockies Alfalfa Cubes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is cautioning horse owners not to feed Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes with the date codes 111222, 111322, 111422, 111522, and 111622.

The FDA is aware of at least 98 horses in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas who showed neurologic symptoms. At least 45 of these horses have died or were euthanized due to declining health. Since December 3, 15 horses have become acutely ill at a Quarter Horse breeding farm in Vermilion Parish County, Louisiana. Two horses died within 48 hours of onset of clinical signs. Ten horses were euthanized within the same time frame due to rapid decline.

Click the link below for more detailed information.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Equine Health Alert Louisiana...Botulism Suspected in 15 Horses

Fifteen horses at a breeding farm in Vermilion Parish County, Louisiana, became acutely ill with suspected botulism, and 12 have died.

Since December 3, 15 horses have become acutely ill at a Quarter Horse breeding farm in Vermilion Parish County, Louisiana. Two horses died within 48 hours of onset of clinical signs. Ten horses were euthanized within the same time frame due to rapid decline. Two horses are still alive at the LSU veterinary teaching hospital.

Clinical Signs

The clinical signs began as muscle tremors in the postural muscles. The tremors

quickly progressed to the whole body. The

horses would repeatedly go down and display signs of agitation. Within three hours, the horses progressed to lateral recumbency. They were unable to roll into sternal or stand. A few of the horses demonstrated decreased tongue tone. Motor function to all four limbs is intact. The horses will sometimes paddle violently while laterally recumbent, but they are responsive to voice and touch during these episodes. Their temperatures are normal. They have moderately elevated heart rates

with no arrhythmias or murmurs.

Suspected Botulism in Louisiana

A preliminary investigation into the incident has suggested that contamination of a common feed source is responsible. Botulism is the suspected culprit. Alfalfa cubes produced in Colorado are a potential source.

Owners of horses displaying similar symptoms should contact their veterinarian immediately. Veterinarians should report any suspected positive horses to Dr. Rose Baker at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Louisiana State University.

EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.

Reprinted from Horse & Rider Magazine