Dallisgrass Makes a Rare Impact on Kentucky Horse Operation

Scientists believe a batch of hay containing dallisgrass caused neurologic problems in horses residing in Bell County.
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Dallisgrass Makes a Rare Impact on Kentucky Horse Operation
Dallisgrass is a warm-season tufted perennial grass which can cause 'staggers' in horses and cattle. | Photo: Harry Rose/Wikimedia Commons
Scientists believe a batch of grass hay recently caused neurologic problems in horses residing in Bell County, Kentucky, located in the southeastern part of the state on the Tennessee border.

The horse was reportedly staggering and displaying a wide stance, muscle trembling, and difficulty balancing. The animal’s clinical signs subsided after the hay was removed from his diet, but a similar series of events followed when another animal consumed the same hay.

Ray Smith, PhD, forage Extension specialist at the University of Kentucky (UK), examined the hay. He found that it contained up to 20% dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) and many of the seedheads were anomalous, appearing swollen and rusty or dark in color. While no laboratory tests are available, a careful visual inspection indicated that seedheads were infected with the endophytic fungus Claviceps paspali.

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