Rockies Alfalfa Cubes Recall

December 17, 2022

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. They are sold in white and tan plastic 50-pound bags with green labeling and the date codes are on the front of the package. These alfalfa cubes have been recalled by Manzanola Feeds, which distributes products directly to feed stores and co-ops in 10 states. The FDA is aware of at least 98 horses in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas who showed neurologic symptoms, including colic-like signs, muscle tremors that rapidly progressed to the whole-body weakness, decreased tongue tone/inability to eat, agitation, and inability to stand. The symptoms reported are consistent with botulism, but further testing is underway to pinpoint the cause. No human illnesses have been reported to date. At least 45 of these horses have died or were euthanized due to declining health.
If you have Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes with these date codes, or you can’t be sure of the date code of the products you have, throw them away in a secure container and PLEASE follow the handling and cleaning instructions outlined by the FDA in the link below.
Immediately consult Littleton Equine Medical Center (303-794-6359) if your horse ate this product and/or is showing signs of neurologic illness, such as muscle tremors, difficulty eating or swallowing, difficulty standing, or collapse. AFTER calling your veterinarian, you can also report the illness to FDA through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. If possible, share the brand name and lot numbers of what your horse ate.