Pistachio Shell Impactions

Adapted by Dr. Pat Blanchard - California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab

In October, CAHFS laboratory in Tulare received dead cows and heifers from 3 dairies after animals were fed pistachio hulls contaminated with pistachio shells.  The pathologist found colon, abomasum and small intestine impactions caused by the pistachio shells.  Deaths were due to intestinal rupture or ulcers that lead to peritonitis at sites of pistachio shell impaction.  Pistachio hulls were included in the dry cow and heifer rations and represented 17 to 18% of the DM.   One dairy owner visually estimated that pistachio hulls were contaminated with at least 15% pistachio shells. Pictured is an open section of intestine that is impacted with pistachio shells.