Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Toxicological effects of aflatoxins in horses.
- Journal:
- Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Caloni, Francesca & Cortinovis, Cristina
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Technologies for Food Safety · Italy
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Aflatoxins are harmful substances produced by certain molds that can contaminate food and feed. In horses, exposure to aflatoxins can lead to serious liver damage and symptoms like eating less than usual, low energy, fever, shaking, trouble walking, and coughing. When affected horses are examined after death, their livers often appear yellow-brown and show signs of damage, along with other issues like bleeding and brown urine. There is also a suggestion that aflatoxin exposure might be connected to a lung condition known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Overall, while there are few documented cases, the effects of aflatoxins on horses can be severe and concerning.
Abstract
Aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins principally produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, which are both natural contaminants of food and feedstuff. Aflatoxin B(1) is the most prevalent member of this group that is normally detected and is the most powerful hepatocarcinogen known. Few naturally occurring episodes of aflatoxicosis in horses have been reported in the literature. Indeed, the published information about aflatoxin exposure, metabolism and the effects on horses is limited and controversial, possibly indicating a lack of awareness rather than the rarity of the occurrence. The target organ in horses, as in other animal species, is the liver and horses suffering from aflatoxicosis show signs of inappetence, depression, fever, tremor, ataxia and cough. Necropsy findings include a yellow-brown liver with centrilobular necrosis, icterus, haemorrhage, tracheal exudates and brown urine. A possible link between aflatoxin exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been hypothesised.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20619706/