Mycotoxicoses: Introduction - The Merck Veterinary Manual

Mycotoxicoses: Introduction

Sampling and Submitting Feeds for Laboratory Analysis

For discussion of poultry mycotoxicoses, see Mycotoxicoses: Introduction.

Acute or chronic toxicoses can result from exposure to feed or bedding contaminated with toxins that may be produced during growth of various saprophytic or phytopathogenic fungi or molds on cereals, hay, straw, pastures, or any other fodder. A few principles characterize mycotoxic diseases: 1) the cause may not be immediately identified; 2) they are not transmissible from one animal to another; 3) treatment with drugs or antibiotics has little effect on the course of the disease; 4) outbreaks are usually seasonal because particular climatic sequences may favor fungal growth and toxin production; 5) study indicates specific association with a particular feed; and 6) although large numbers of fungi found on examination of feedstuff does not necessarily indicate that toxin production has occurred.

Confirmation of diagnosis of mycotoxic disease requires a combination of information. Detection of fungal spores alone, even at high concentrations, is not sufficient for diagnosis; fungal spores or even mold growth may be present without formation of mycotoxins. Especially important in diagnosis is the presence of a disease documented to be caused by a known mycotoxin, combined with detection of the mycotoxin in either feedstuffs or animal tissues.

Sometimes more than one mycotoxin may be present in feedstuffs, and their different toxicologic properties may cause clinical signs and lesions that are not consistent with those seen when animals are dosed experimentally with pure, single mycotoxins. Several mycotoxins are immunosuppressive, which may allow viruses, bacteria, or parasites to create a secondary disease that is more obvious than the primary.

In reaching a diagnosis of mycotoxicosis characterized by reduced feed intake, reproductive failure, or increased infectious disease due to immunosuppression, differential diagnoses must be carefully established and eliminated by a combination of thorough clinical and historical evaluation, examination of production records, and close attention to appropriate diagnostic testing.

There are no specific antidotes for mycotoxins; removal of the source of the toxin (ie, the moldy feedstuff) eliminates further exposure. The absorption of some mycotoxins (eg, aflatoxin) has been effectively prevented by aluminosilicate. If financial circumstances do not allow for disposal of the moldy feed, it can be blended with unspoiled feed just before feeding to reduce the toxin concentration or fed to less susceptible species. When contaminated feed is blended with good feed, care must be taken to prevent further mold growth by the toxigenic contaminants. This may be accomplished by thorough drying or by addition of organic acids (eg, propionic acid) to prevent mold growth.

Important mycotoxic diseases occur in domestic animals worldwide (Table: Mycotoxicoses in Domestic Animals).

Sampling and Submitting Feeds for Laboratory Analysis:

Much of the error in detecting mycotoxins in feed results from sampling (or subsampling) rather than from analytical methodology. Samples can be taken at various stages—from growing crops or during transport or storage. Whenever possible, samples should be taken after particulate size has been reduced (eg, by shelling or grinding) and soon after blending has occurred (as in harvesting, loading, or grinding). Sampling is most effective if small samples are taken at periodic, predetermined intervals from a moving stream of grain or feed. These individual stream samples should be combined and mixed thoroughly, after which a subsample of 10 lb (4.5 kg) should be taken.

Probe sampling is acceptable when grain has been recently blended but is less reliable because different microenvironments within the storage facility may cause areas of mold or mycotoxin concentration. A suggested method of probe sampling is to sample at 5 locations, each 1 ft (30 cm) from the periphery of a bin, plus once in the center. This should be done for each 6 ft (2 m) of bin depth. Thus, taller bins would require more samples, and the total weight should be >10 lb.

Dry samples are preferable for transport and storage. Samples should be dried at 176-194°F (80-90°C) for ~3 hr to reduce moisture to 12-13%. If mold studies are to be done, drying at 140°F (60°C) for 6-12 hr should preserve fungal activity.

Containers should be appropriate for the nature of the sample. For dried samples, paper or cloth bags are recommended. Plastic bags should be avoided unless grain is dried thoroughly. Plastic bags are useful for high-moisture samples only if refrigeration, freezing, or chemicals are used to retard mold growth during transport and storage. Once a sample has been cooled or frozen, warming may induce condensation and allow mold growth.