TALLAHASSEE - Alfalfa hay infested with blister beetles is being blamed for the deaths of three horses in Clay County.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson warned horse owners statewide Friday that they should carefully check their hay supplies.
Blister beetles, so named because they emit a caustic chemical that can cause blisters if it comes in contact with skin, are occasionally found in alfalfa hay imported into Florida.
Modern hay baling techniques crush the beetles, causing them to emit the irritant, which can kill horses that eat the contaminated hay.
The substance, called cantharidin, is comparable to cyanide or strychnine in toxicity.
Horses are considered very susceptible. The chemical can also poison cattle or sheep and also causes colic in horses.
Experts say owners who don't produce their own hay should check with the source to find out how the hay was baled and whether it's safe.
Horse owners can also inspect the hay to check for beetles.
State officials think the infested hay was part of one batch of alfalfa and are checking with the supplier, identified only as being in the Midwest.
