Mycotoxicosis Treatment in Animal Feed

Preventing and treating mycotoxicosis is a concern being addressed by scientists and farmers. Mycotoxicosis is a condition brought on by toxins produced by molds in grain-based feed. When mold is exposed to sudden changes in temperature, it produces toxins called mycotoxins. Mycotoxin poisoning is a serious and potentially deadly condition that affects animals and people as well.

  1. History

    • Mycotoxicosis has long been a major threat to farmers and pet owners alike. These toxins are prevalent in grain-based animal feed. When an animal eats the contaminated feed, it is poisoned by it. Animals suffering from mycotoxicosis display a number of symptoms. This poisoning causes gastrointestinal problems, liver, kidney, heart, lung and eye damage amount other things. Mycotoxicosis is usually misdiagnosed because few veterinarians have experience with this condition, and its symptoms are so wide ranging it mimics many other disorders.

    Treatments

    • The only treatments available if your animal has mycotoxicosis is the administration of inject-able antibiotics like Penicillin G. Along with antibiotics, your animal might need IV fluids to help flush out the toxins. Sucralfate may also be administered to promote the healing of damaged tissue.

    Prevalence

    • Mycotoxins are common in pet foods. Wheat, soybeans and corn are the usual culprits. These grains are also found in dog and cat foods. Grains become contaminated from improper harvesting and storage. If grain products are kept under conditions in which mold can grow, mycotoxins are possible. Feed stored in air-tight plastic bags or containers is at risk for mold and mycotoxins as well.

    Feed Treatment

    • Several studies have been done on techniques to treat feed contaminated with mycotoxins. The most promising was a study done by the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Mu'tah University in Jordan. It found that by exposing contaminated grain to direct sunlight for a minimum of 30 hours, the toxins were greatly neutralized. Other studies are being done with ammonia and clay products, but none have proven as effective as sunlight.

    Prevention

    • Prevention of mycotoxicosis has to start with the harvesting of grain and hay. Farmers should never gather grain that is wet into storage. Storage facilities should be well ventilated. Grain dealers often sell contaminated foods deeded "unfit for human consumption" to the pet industry. With few government regulations in place to control this, the problem is just passed on to our animals. As an animal owner, you can help keep your pet from getting mycotoxicosis by inspecting its food. Never feed your animal food that you suspect has mold. Keep dry foods stored in ventilated containers and away from moisture.