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Blister Beetles |
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Blister beetle is an insect that affects human beings and many domestic animals. There are primarily two genera that affect animals in the United States, Epicauta spp. and Pyrota spp. Skin blisters as a result of secretions from the beetle. Although skin blisters on domestic animals may be a problem, the more serious conditions result when the beetles are ingested by animals. Beetles are most often found infesting alfalfa hay. The beetles are attracted to the alfalfa blooms or to weeds in the alfalfa field. When alfalfa is cut and crimped simultaneously, swarms of beetles are trapped in the hay. The trapped beetles die and are incorporated in large numbers into a block of hay. Pelleted feeds made from hay harvested in this manner may also be toxic to animals. The beetles produce a chemical known as cantharidin. Horses are probably the most sensitive animal to the effects of ingested blister beetles. It takes a minute amount of cantharidin to cause problems in a horse. However, rattites and cattle are also sensitive to the effects of blister beetle. Cantharidin can be produced in sufficient amounts to cause problems from a very few beetles. Animals ingesting the beetles become very ill. Horses are prone to colic, while cattle and rattites appear to be very painful. Treatment of these animals is challenging and may not be successful. Education of those harvesting the hay is one of the best means of preventing blister beetles in the hay. |
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