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Check your pets food!

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2019 2:20 am
by Zero
Hello everyone, bit of a random thing to post, but this is very serious...

Please, everyone who has pets, check their food.

I'm not saying put every kibble under the microscope, just... Pay attention, be cautious, and if you question it it's better to be safe than sorry.

My neighbor this week has lost 2 perfectly healthy horses to botulism, and now fear for their other 2.

Farmers had a terrible time with hay this past year due to all the flooding, and my neighbors believe this came from the round bails they were feeding.

Unfortunately, because this is a bacteria, it can be hard to catch.

It still serves as a reminder, to be cautious.

Anyone feeding hay, please be careful!

For anyone curious, this is in West Virginia, USA. My neighbors get their hay from somewhere in Virginia, USA.

I'm checking hay tomorrow, visiting the vet, and giving my horses extra treats.

Re: Check your pets food!

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2019 2:37 am
by SilverElf
Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear your neighbor lost two horses. :(

My kitties are indoor, but this is a good reminder to keep an eye on their food and general health anyway. Who knows what I track in from outside?

I hope and pray your horses stay safe and well.

Re: Check your pets food!

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:22 am
by Likes2Read
My condolences to your neighbor! I hope there are no more losses due to this issue! :(

Is it possible to source food from another locality for a while?

Re: Check your pets food!

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2019 5:11 pm
by Zero
Likes2Read wrote:My condolences to your neighbor! I hope there are no more losses due to this issue! :(

Is it possible to source food from another locality for a while?
Sourcing food may be a bit difficult in our area and considering the time of year, but it is worth it. Better the hassle than the risk!

Another option for anyone feeding hay, especially round bails- soak the hay!

Fill a tub with cold water, allow the hay to thouroughly soak for 15 minutes, remove and shake out extra water, serve. Do not allow animals to drink the water and do not dump it in an area the animals could come in contact with it. Only soak what you need, when you need it.

Re: Check your pets food!

Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2020 2:22 am
by Shifa
This is a constant concern. Seems like there are frequent pet food recalls nowadays so pay attention if you see news articles. Of course, always, always be aware of your pet’s health and any unusual reactions.

Re: Check your pets food!

Posted: Fri Nov 27, 2020 3:51 am
by Lilith28
Even though I feel bad what happened. It’s also cause of concern for me as well. Never had issues with hay for very long time with last hay person (locally sourced) Until person switched to all alfalfa. This year new hay person, but locally sourced as well (5miles away) the only issues are Asian Beetles in the hay for a couple of bales (took out bad bales). But nothing of what is stated above. Highly concerning and very advisable warning. But I’ve also learned something new, despite the sad unfortunate events. My apologies.