... to internal bleeding and kidney failure to possible death. These are symptoms of many other equine illnesses, so if a horse is eating alfalfa hay the presence of blister beetles must be considered- especially if other horses are showing the same symptoms. Blister Beetle Poisoning Blister Beetle Poisoning. Blister Beetle Poisoning: Cantharidin toxicosis in Equines.
There have been several instances in the United States where horses have died from eating hay contaminated with blister beetles. Infestations often occur during or just following a grasshopper outbreak. These beetles secrete an irritating and toxic substance called canthanridin.
Symptoms of blister beetle poisoning are colic, frequent urination, ulcers, dehydration, sores in the mouth and abnormal vital sign readings. One hallmark of blister beetle poisoning is a significant drop in the levels of calcium and magnesium present in the bloodstream of the affected animal. his is accompanied by secondary infection and bleeding. Cantharidin toxicity in horses occurs when horses ingest a specific type of beetle, known as the blister beetle, which is commonly found in alfalfa hay. The blister beetle secretes the toxin known as cantharidin, and can be fatal if horses ingest a toxic amount. The black blister is about 1/2 inch long and is solid black.
Blister beetle welts and blisters can be painful, but the skin reaction isn’t life-threatening to humans, and it doesn’t typically cause permanent damage to the skin. ... it is highly unlikely for a human to involuntarily ingest blister beetles. Calcium levels in the horses may be drastically lowered and heart muscle tissues destroyed.
Blister beetles are common in the desert southwest and
The black blister beetle adults are largely pollen feeders, but they also feed on alfalfa blossoms.
Animals can die within 24 to 72 hours, so it is imperative to contact a veterinarian as soon as a Blister Beetle poisoning is suspected.
Symptoms of poisoning can include the following: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody urine and possible coma. Blister beetle toxicity occurs when horses eat hay contaminated with crushed blister beetles. symptoms of colic and frequent urination, while large doses can cause death in 6-72 hours. Awareness is the best prevention There are more than 200 species of blister beetles, each varying in size, shape and color, but the most common is genus iEpicauta which commonly contaminates alfalfa hay causing toxicosis in horses. Damage: The larvae of the blister beetles destroys grasshopper egg pods.