MYCOTOXICOSES

Mycotoxicosis, a widespread problem in the poultry industry is caused by ingestion of

toxins produced by molds which contaminate cereals and some oilseeds before and
subsequent to harvest. Mycotoxins are a diverse group of chemical compounds which
adversely affect liveability, growth rate, feed conversion, immune response, egg production,
and carcass quality. The acute and chronic effects of mycotoxins depend on the type of
compounds present, level of contamination, and duration of ingestion. Maize, wheat, rice, and
peanut meal are most frequently implicated in cases of mycotoxicosis. Immature chickens
and ducklings are most susceptible to mycotoxins, but age, intercurrent health and
environmental stress also influence the response to various toxins in feed.
Aflatoxins, ochratoxins, trichothecenes, and rubratoxins may result in high mortality
if lethal levels of these compounds are present in feed. Low levels produce economically
significant reduction in growth rate and feed conversion in broilers, and low egg production
in breeders and commercial egg flocks. Specific mycotoxins may product characteristic
lesions in affected flocks:
Fusarium T-2 toxin is associated with stomatitis (ulceration of the lining of the oral
mucosa).
Ochratoxin results in kidney degeneration.
Chronic aflatoxicosis is responsible for cirrhosis of the liver and ascites.
Generally, low-level mycotoxicoses are difficult to diagnose but should always be
considered in cases of a chronic decline in growth rate, immunosuppression, suboptimal feed
conversion, egg production or hatchability.
Nutrient content of grain is degraded when mold growth occurs on ingredients even in
the absence of mycotoxins. Maize with moisture levels over 13% may be contaminated with
mycotoxins including aflatoxin. Prevention is based on detection of contaminated ingredients
and exclusion from diets if this is practical or financially justified.
Correct storage of ingredients prevents post-harvest proliferation of molds. Feed
additive inhibitors such as propionate and gentian violet will suppress proliferation of fungi
and elaboration of toxins. Salvage of feed contaminated with aflatoxin is possible using high
temperature ammoniation or adding commercial aluminosilicates to diets. Zeolite compounds
and extracts from the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Mycosorb) specifically bind
aflatoxin in the intestine, inhibiting absorbtion. Zeolites have limited ability to inactivate
other mycotoxins including the fusariotoxins. Charcoal and clay additives are generally
ineffective as mycotoxins binders. Clay compounds may be contaminated with dioxins.

Contaminated corn showing severe fungal infection.

Pale liver of bird receiving 200 ppb aflatoxin in feed (right) compared to liver of bird
receiving low level
Detailed examination of the oropharynx as necessary to exclude conditions such as T2
fusariotoxicosis, mycosis or avitaminosis A.
Stomatitis following consumption of T2 fusariotoxin (courtesy of Dr. Fred Hoerr)
Chick showing stomatitis attributed to T2 fusariotoxicosis. (Courtesy of Dr. Fred Hoerr)
Abnormal feather formation (left) due to fusariotoxicosis. Compare with normal plumage on
right (Courtesy of Dr. Fred Hoerr)
Diarrhea in chick fed fusariotoxin (Courtesy of Dr. Fred Hoerr)
Commercial test kits are available to monitor for the presence of mycotoxins.
Monitoring ingredients in feed for the presence of mycotoxins is a necessary quality control
procedure.
Water proportioner can beused to distribute antibiotics and other medication through the
drinking system. Water proportioners should be calibrated and their operation should be
monitored.