Western Feed, LLC is voluntarily recalling two lots (M718430 and M720280) of Kountry Buffet 14% feed because it may contain monensin sodium (Rumensin). The feed is packaged in 50 lb. bags bearing the Payback logo with the attached tag identifying the product as Kountry Buffet 14%. Monensin sodium is a medication approved for use in some livestock and poultry species, but can be fatal to horses if fed at sufficiently high levels.
The lot number (M718430 and M720280) can be found towards the bottom of the tag, below the Feeding Directions.
This feed was distributed December 2, 2011 through December 15, 2011 to retailers in Nebraska and Wyoming. Retailers receiving product from the lot in question have removed it from their stores.
Western Feed had received a report of some horses that had died as a result of consuming the feed. Initial testing by a private laboratory has indicated the presence of a potentially harmful level of monensin sodium (Rumensin) in these two lots. Further follow up testing is underway.
The symptoms of toxicity vary with the amount of monensin ingested by a horse. Trace amounts may cause a horse to go off his regular feed, show signs of colic and appear unwell for a few days. Larger amounts will cause a horse to show more serious symptoms within a few hours including colic, stiffness, sweating, a lack of co-ordination and the inability to stand.
Customers who purchased Kountry Buffet 14% from lot M718430 and M720280 should stop feeding the product immediately and call Western Feed LLC at 308-247-2601, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT.
At this time, the limited voluntary recall only applies to Kountry Buffet 14%, lots M718430 and M720280. No other Western Feed, LLC products and no other lots of Kountry Buffet 14% are involved.
