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Stachybotryotoxicosis

Stachybotryotoxicosis is a fatal hemorrhagic disorder of horses. It is caused by types of mycotoxins known as trichothecene satratoxins, produced by certain strains of Stachybotrys spp.. Stachybotrys are common saprophytes found in improperly dried or extended length of storage of hay and straw.

Horses become infected through ingesting the toxins when consuming contaminated hay or inhaling when sleeping or standing on contaminated bedding.

Symptoms

Depression

Loss of appetite

Arrhythmias

Weak pulse

Cyanosis

Hyperaesthesia

Conjunctivitis

Necrotic ulcers in the mouth

Death

Diagnosis

Clinical signs
History
Physical exam
Laboratory tests

Support

Therapies

Therapies	Details
Removal of contaminated hay or bedding
Antibiotics
Cardiorespiratory stimulants
Supportive care

Prevention

Do not feed horses hay that is suspected of contamination with mold
Do not use straw as bedding that is suspected to be contaminated with mold

Scientific Research

Semeiks J, Borek D, Otwinowski Z, Grishin NV. Comparative genome sequencing reveals chemotype-specific gene clusters in the toxigenic black mold Stachybotrys. BMC Genomics. . 2014
Botha CJ, Naudé TW. Plant poisonings and mycotoxicoses of importance in horses in southern Africa. J S Afr Vet Assoc.. 2002
Harrach B, Bata A, Sándor G, Ványi A. Isolation of macrocyclic and non-macrocyclic trichothecenes (stachybotrys and fusarium toxins) from the Environment of 200 III Sport Horses. Mycotoxin Res.. 1987
Aĭzenman BE, Kudlaĭ DG. [History of the discovery of the causative agent of Stachybotrys toxicosis]. Mikrobiol Zh.. 1978