Effects of fusariotoxins in the equine species.

The research article discusses the impact of fusariotoxins from Fusarium fungi found in cereal grains and horse feed on equine health. The study particularly focuses on how these mycotoxins possibly lead to various health issues in horses including neural and liver diseases, loss of bodyweight, oral issues, and reproductive disorders.

Fusariotoxins and Their Effects

• Fusariotoxins such as fumonisins, trichothecenes and zearalenone are present in cereal grains and animal feeds. The consumption of these infected grains can lead to the toxicity in animals including horses.
• Though the research on fusariotoxins’ impact on horses is limited, they’re known to cause a variety of health issues in this species.

Specific Fusariotoxin Effects

• Fumonisin B(1), a type of fusariotoxin, is known to cause leukoencephalomalacia in horses. This condition is characterized by depression, aimless circling, head pressing, paresis, ataxia, blindness, and even death.
• The same toxin, FB(1), also leads to liver damage and causes cardiovascular dysfunction in horses.
• Another fusariotoxin, deoxynivalenol, when present with other fusariotoxins, can be associated with the loss of appetite in horses leading to decrease in bodyweight.
• The T-2 Fusarium mycotoxin typically causes oral lesions in horses.
• Zearalenone, a fusariotoxin, has been found to cause reproductive disorders in horses.

Unanswered Questions in the Research

• The research on Fusariotoxins’ effects on horses is limited. Further studies are needed to understand the synergistic effects of different fusariotoxins when they act together.
• The potential connection between mycotoxins and equine colic, a common digestive disorder in horses, is yet to be explored. This opens up a new avenue for future research.