ELK CITY, Okla (KFOR) — An investigation is underway after dozens of horses mysteriously died in Elk City.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) received word from a veterinarian last Friday, August 23, of a potential issue with horses relating to a single bulk feed order for Beutler and Son Rodeo Co.
"Started seeing some stuff that wasn't right and then all of a sudden looked up and there's horses just falling over dying," said Rhett Beutler, co-owner of Beutler and Son Rodeo Co.
Beutler says between 40 to 70 horses died.
The reason for the sudden deaths is still under investigation, but it could be linked to feed that originated in Kansas.
The ODAFF inspector collected a feed sample which is being analyzed in two state-certified laboratories.
ODAFF has informed the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) of the inspector’s site visit and continues to work in coordination with KDA.
An equine specialist says the mill also produces cattle feed and it could of been contaminated with Monensin, which is often given to cattle, but is deadly to horses.
"It affects their heart and so it causes necrosis of the heart tissue, essentially and so in essence, they kind of have heart attacks and so it tends to be pretty rapid onset," said Kris Hiney, equine extension specialist for Oklahoma State University.
Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. has a long history spanning almost a century.
The loss has financial and emotional impacts.
"We've got world champions that are dead, we've got horses that would potentially be the next world champions that are dead," said Beutler.
The family says the show must go on and are determined to move forward.
The Elk City Rodeo of Champions will run as planned this weekend.
"It's our hometown gig and, you know, we've still got horses we're using and we've got some friends horses, and, you know, we're gonna make it happen, it's going to be good," said Beutler.
The full statement from ODAFF can be read below:
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is aware of the tragic loss of horses at Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. in Elk City.
ODAFF received word from a veterinarian last Friday, August 23, of a potential issue with horses relating to a single bulk feed order for Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. As the state regulator of animal feed, an inspector visited the Beutler and Son site on behalf of the department on Monday, August 26, and learned that the feed originated in Kansas. The ODAFF inspector collected a feed sample which is being analyzed in two state-certified laboratories.
ODAFF has informed the Kansas Department of Agriculture of the inspector’s site visit and continues to work in coordination with KDA. ODAFF has assisted Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. with carcass disposal to ensure all state regulations were adhered to.
State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall encourages all livestock and pet owners to be judicious in reviewing labels on feed provided to animals in their care and contact a veterinarian with whom they have a strong veterinary-client-patient relationship if they have questions about the safety of their feed or ingredients.
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
The rodeo community has also stepped in, showing their support.
To purchase tickets, click here.
