Blister Beetle Poisoning in Alabama

Reports of blister beetle poisoning in Alabama are true. All cases believed to have come from a common hay source/broker that appears to have originated in Eastern Colorado. Blister beetles unfortunately go with alfalfa. This outbreak reminds us to watch hay carefully & buy from reputable sources. Good hay growers handle the problem well. The current shortage of local hay in the region leads to alfalfa that may have originally been intended for cattle consumption winding up in the horse markets. Also hay may get diverted in transit via broker trades due to local shortage/demand. A toxin carried by the beetles causes painful blisters when it touches skin or mucous membranes. Symptoms of blister beetle poisoning are salivation, colic, diarrhea, frequent urination, shock and death. It only takes a small number of dead beetles in a bale of hay to kill a horse or other livestock. The poison has no antidote. The beetles are easy to see in hay, so livestock owners are encouraged to be vigilant.