Aflatoxicosis is a serious fungal disease affecting poultry, caused by the ingestion of aflatoxins, toxic compounds produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus molds. These toxins develop in contaminated feed, particularly grains stored under warm, humid conditions. Aflatoxicosis can lead to poor growth, reduced egg production, liver damage, weakened immunity, and increased mortality, causing severe economic losses for poultry farmers.
What is Aflatoxicosis?
Aflatoxicosis occurs when poultry consume feed contaminated with aflatoxins, which are highly toxic and carcinogenic. These toxins primarily affect the liver but also damage the immune system, digestive tract, and overall health of birds.
Aflatoxins are resistant to heat, cooking, and normal food processing, making prevention crucial. Even small amounts of exposure over time can have severe chronic health effects, reducing the productivity and lifespan of poultry.
Causes of Aflatoxicosis in Poultry
Aflatoxicosis is primarily caused by the ingestion of mold-contaminated feed. The main factors that contribute to aflatoxin contamination include:
1. Contaminated Feed Ingredients
- Grains like corn, wheat, barley, peanuts, sorghum, and soybeans are highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination.
- Improperly dried feed ingredients can develop fungal growth.
2. Poor Storage Conditions
- High moisture (above 14%) and warm temperatures (25–35°C) promote fungal growth in stored grains.
- Improper ventilation in silos and storage rooms allows molds to spread.
3. Moldy Feed and Spoiled Food
- Feeding poultry with moldy or discolored grains can introduce aflatoxins.
- Spoiled feed due to leaky roofs, improper drying, or prolonged storage increases contamination risk.
4. Use of Low-Quality Feed
- Poorly processed and cheap poultry feed may already contain aflatoxins.
- Some local suppliers mix damaged or rejected grains, increasing toxicity levels.
5. Climate and Environmental Factors
- Hot and humid regions experience higher mold growth in grains.
- Excess rainfall before harvest can cause fungal infection in crops, leading to contaminated grains.
Symptoms of Aflatoxicosis in Poultry
The severity of aflatoxicosis symptoms depends on the dose and duration of aflatoxin exposure. Symptoms can be classified into acute and chronic conditions.
Acute Aflatoxicosis (High-Dose Exposure)
Occurs when birds consume large amounts of aflatoxins in a short period. Symptoms include:
✔ Sudden mortality (in severe cases)
✔ Yellowish or swollen liver with necrosis
✔ Internal hemorrhages and fluid accumulation in organs
✔ Lethargy and depression
✔ Loss of appetite and severe weight loss
✔ Decreased mobility and poor feather quality
Chronic Aflatoxicosis (Low-Dose, Long-Term Exposure)
Occurs when birds consume small amounts of aflatoxins over weeks or months. Symptoms include:
✔ Reduced growth rate and stunted development
✔ Weak immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections
✔ Poor egg production in layers and breeders
✔ Pale comb and wattles, indicating anemia
✔ Digestive issues, including diarrhea and slow digestion
✔ Liver damage, leading to fibrosis and liver failure
✔ Skeletal deformities in young chicks
✔ Neurological problems, such as tremors and paralysis (in severe cases)
Impact on Egg-Laying Hens
- Aflatoxins lead to thin eggshells, reduced egg size, and lower hatchability rates.
- Egg production drops significantly, affecting commercial poultry farms.
Diagnosis of Aflatoxicosis in Poultry
Since aflatoxicosis symptoms are similar to other poultry diseases, proper diagnostic methods are required:
1. Clinical Examination
- Veterinarians check for typical symptoms, including liver enlargement, jaundice, and internal bleeding.
2. Laboratory Testing of Feed
- Poultry feed is tested for aflatoxin levels using ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
3. Necropsy and Histopathology
- Liver examination of dead birds reveals yellowish, swollen, or necrotic tissue.
- Microscopic analysis confirms liver damage and immune suppression.
Prevention of Aflatoxicosis in Poultry
Since aflatoxins cannot be destroyed by cooking or processing, prevention is the most effective strategy.
1. Proper Feed Storage
✅ Store grains in cool, dry places with good ventilation.
✅ Keep feed bins airtight to prevent moisture buildup.
✅ Use moisture absorbers (e.g., silica gel, zeolite) in storage areas.
2. High-Quality Feed Selection
✅ Use grains from trusted suppliers with proper quality control.
✅ Avoid damaged, moldy, or discolored feed ingredients.
3. Use of Mycotoxin Binders
✅ Add activated carbon, bentonite clay, and aluminosilicates to poultry feed.
✅ These toxin binders help neutralize aflatoxins in the digestive system.
4. Feed Testing and Quality Control
✅ Test poultry feed regularly for aflatoxin contamination.
✅ Use chemical or biological detoxification methods if contamination is detected.
5. Crop Management Strategies
✅ Properly dry grains before storage.
✅ Rotate crops and use mold-resistant grain varieties.
Management of Aflatoxicosis in Poultry
If poultry flocks are affected, quick management actions are necessary to reduce losses:
1. Immediate Feed Change
✔ Remove contaminated feed and switch to high-quality, fresh feed.
✔ Improve diet with protein, vitamins, and minerals to support recovery.
2. Liver Support Therapy
✔ Administer hepatoprotective agents like silymarin (milk thistle extract), choline, and methionine.
✔ Supplement with Vitamin E, Selenium, and Zinc to boost liver function.
3. Hydration and Electrolyte Therapy
✔ Provide clean, fresh drinking water at all times.
✔ Use electrolyte solutions and probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
4. Isolation and Monitoring
✔ Separate severely affected birds to prevent stress and further deterioration.
✔ Monitor flocks for secondary infections (bacterial or fungal).
5. Veterinary Consultation
✔ Seek expert veterinary assistance for precise diagnosis and treatment.
✔ If high mortality rates are observed, perform necropsy for confirmation.
Conclusion
Aflatoxicosis is a major threat to poultry health, causing liver damage, weak immunity, poor growth, and economic losses. Since aflatoxins cannot be destroyed by cooking, prevention through proper feed storage, toxin binders, regular feed testing, and high-quality feed selection is essential.
If an outbreak occurs, immediate action is necessary, including feed replacement, liver support, electrolyte therapy, and veterinary care. By maintaining strict quality control and proper management, poultry farmers can protect their flocks from aflatoxicosis and ensure a profitable poultry business.