Report from Jimmy Henning, Extension Forage Specialist
Department of Agronomy
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture

Twelve horse farms and one hay farm are being monitored for several soil, pasture and environmental parameters considered to be related to the MRLS outbreak of 2001. Forage samples are analyzed for fungal mycotoxins, alkaloids associated with tall fescue, cyanide and minerals. Soil samples are checked for populations of yeasts and molds.

As of June 6, all sentinel farms have had 8 or 9 cycles of sampling completed. There have been EFL cases noted in sporadic and low numbers on monitor farms within the last two weeks