FL Horses Possibly Exposed To Invasive Toxic Weed; 8 Dead: Report

WELLINGTON — Eight horses in Palm Beach County have died after at least 60 horses were possibly exposed to a toxic weed recently located in a batch of hay, WPBF 25 News reported Tuesday.

Red Barn Feed and Supply, of Loxahatchee, announced Thursday a recall of its 2095 T&A hay supply from Michigan after hoary alyssum was found in some of its batches.

"Your horses’ health and safety are our utmost priority. We are saddened to hear about any horses that have fallen ill and we hope for the recovery and wellbeing of all," the company said in a Facebook post.

Red Barn said the Michigan-based T&A has not been sold or delivered since Dec. 26 though the product from Ontario, Canada, is being stocked.

County Line Feed and Supply, of Boynton Beach, initiated a similar recall Saturday.

"At County Line Feed & Supply, Inc., we take great pride in delivering high-quality products to our customers. Unfortunately, we have recently become aware of a situation that required immediate attention and action," the company said in a Facebook post.

"It has come to our attention that a batch of our hay products may be tainted due to Hoary alyssum, contamination and quality concerns. The safety and well-being of our customers and their animals are our top priorities, and we take this matter very seriously."

Hoary alyssum, which is native to Europe and Asia, can be toxic to livestock as it can cause poisoning and potentially kill, according to the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board. It is an invasive weed that can "out-compete beneficial plants," the board said.

Red Barn asks customers who bought 2095 T&A before Dec. 26 to contact the company, which is issuing full refunds for contaminated products.

Meanwhile, County Line reported having the supply from Dec. 20-23. Customers are asked to stop using the product and return it for a refund.

A horse owner in Palm Beach County told WPBF that eight horses have died due to the tainted product, adding horse owners in Wellington have been tending to their horses who were sickened.

Read more via WPBF.