Fungal intoxications

Mycotoxins are chemicals produced by fungi or molds under certain conditions and are toxic to

animals and humanns.

Diseases in animals caused by mycotoxins are called mycotoxicoses while those produced
bymolds are calledmycoses.

Aflatoxicosis

Aflatoxins are produced by certain Aspergillus fungi on peanuts, soybeans, corn, and other
cereals either in the field or during storage when moisture content and temperatures are high
enough for mold growth.

Signs

Depression of the immune system

Cause abortion

Anorexia

Abnormal body temperatures

Reduced feed efficiency

Bruising in poultry.

Clinical findings

History and examination of body tissues after death can point to the type of toxin. Aflatoxin can
sometimes be detected in urine or the kidneys or in milk of milk-producing animals if toxin intakes
are high.

Ergotism
Ergotism is a worldwide disease that results from ingestion of the parasitic fungus Claviceps
purpurea that replaces the grain or seed of rye and other small grains and forage plants. The
fungus contains variable amounts of poisonous alkaloids. Cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry are
involved in sporadic outbreaks, and most other species are susceptible. Poisoning can occur
from grazing seed heads or from infected grains in concentrated rations.

Signs

The first sign of poisoning is lameness, which may appear 4–6 weeks after initial ingestion.
Lameness progresses to dry gangrene, which appears as an indented line at the junction
between normal skin and affected skin. Once gangrene is present, recovery is not likely, and
affected parts of the limbs may slough off. Tips of ears and tail may also be affected.

Diagnosis

It is based on finding the fungus in grains, hay, or pastures.

Prevention

Control is based on pasture management to minimize grazing when fungus-infected seed heads
are present. Concentrations of the toxins in feed can be tested. Immediate change to an ergot-
free diet may avoid adverse consequences.

Estrogenism and Vulvovaginitis

Estrogenism and vulvovaginitis is a condition is caused by Fusarium species molds that are
extremely common and often contaminate growing plants and stored feeds. Corn, wheat, and
barley are commonly affected in moderate climates under humid weather conditions. The mold
produces a potent, nonsteroidal estrogen that mimics the action of the hormone estrogen in the
body. Chickens and turkeys are affected, along with cattle and sheep.

Clinical effects cannot be distinguished from excessive estrogen administration (estrogenism).

The physical and behavioral signs of estrus are induced and include enlargement of the vulva
(vulvovaginitis), mammary glands, and uterus. Abdominal straining may be seen, with prolapse
of the uterus in severe cases. Breeding behavior may be seen in both sexes.
Diagnosis is based on observing attempted breeding in the herd or flock, clinical signs, history
of diet-related exposure, and excluding other known causes of infertility.

Changing the feed should lead to recovery of normal reproduction over several weeks.

Fumonisin toxicosis

These are produced by fusarium proliferatum and is found primarilyin white and yellow corn.

Pigs are more sensitive to fumonisin toxicosis.

Mechanism of action

Inhibit enzymes involved in the production of sphingosine from sphimganine.

Clinical signs

Dyspenia cyanosis, weakness and death in pigs.

Anorexia, mild weight loss in ruminants.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of fumonisin toxicity is dependent on finding the characteristic lesions in affected

animals along with detecting fumonisin in the feed.