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Mycotoxicoses of ruminants and horses.

Abstract: In the current study, mycotoxicoses of ruminants and horses are reviewed, with an emphasis on the occurrence of these diseases in South America. The main mycotoxicoses observed in grazing cattle include intoxications by indole-diterpenoid mycotoxins (Paspalum spp. contaminated by Claviceps paspali, Lolium perenne infected by Neotyphodium lolii, Cynodon dactylon infected by Claviceps cynodontis, and Poa huecu), gangrenous ergotism and dysthermic syndrome (hyperthermia) caused by Festuca arundinacea (syn. Festuca elatior) infected by Neotyphodium coenophialum (syn. Acremonium coenophialum), and photosensitization in pastures contaminated by toxigenic Pithomyces chartarum. Other mycotoxicoses in grazing cattle include slaframine toxicity in clover pastures infected by Rhizoctonia leguminicola and diplodiosis in cattle grazing in corn stubbles. The mycotoxicoses caused by contaminated concentrated food or byproducts in cattle include poisoning by toxins of Aspergillus clavatus, which contaminate barley or sugar beetroot by-products, gangrenous ergotism or dysthermic syndrome caused by wheat bran or wheat screenings contaminated with Claviceps purpurea, and acute respiratory distress caused by damaged sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas). The main mycotoxicosis of horses is leukoencephalomalacia caused by the fumonisins B1 and B2 produced by Fusarium spp. Poisoning by C. purpurea and F. elatior infected by N. coenophialum has also been reported as a cause of agalactia and neonatal mortality in mares. Slaframine toxicosis caused by the ingestion of alfalfa hay contaminated by R. leguminicola has also been reported in horses.
Publication Date: 2013-10-03 PubMed ID: 24091682DOI: 10.1177/1040638713504572Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

Summary

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The research article reviews the different types of mycotoxicoses or poisonings caused by toxigenic fungi in grazing ruminants and horses, particularly in South America. It investigates the effects of different fungi-contaminated plants on the health of these animals and the types of diseases they can cause.

Overview of the Study

  • The research work is an exhaustive review of various mycotoxicoses in ruminants and horses, predominantly in the South American region. The study of mycotoxicoses is crucial because the consumption of infected plants can lead to severe health disorders in grazing animals.
  • These mycotoxicoses result from grazing animals consuming plants infected by toxigenic fungi, producing detrimental effects on the animals’ health.

Findings of the Research

  • The primary mycotoxicoses observed in the cattle grazing include those resulting from grazing on a variety of plants infected by different toxic fungi such as Claviceps paspali, Neotyphodium lolii, Claviceps cynodontis, and more.
  • Other significant health disorders observed due to the ingestion of contaminated plants include gangrenous ergotism, dysthermic syndrome, and photosensitization.
  • The research also observed the occurrence of slaframine toxicity in cattle grazing on clover pastures infected by Rhizoctonia leguminicola, and diplodiosis in cattle grazing on corn stubbles.
  • The researchers observed contamination from concentrated food or byproducts like barley or sugar beetroot by fungi such as Aspergillus clavatus which results in poisoning. Similarly, health issues can arise from eating wheat bran contaminated with Claviceps purpurea.

Mycotoxicoses in Horses

  • The critical mycotoxicosis in horses identified is leukoencephalomalacia, which is caused by fumonisins B1 and B2 produced by Fusarium spp.
  • Other health issues in horses, such as agalactia and neonatal mortality, can arise from poisoning by Claviceps purpurea, feed infected with Neotyphodium coenophialum, and the ingestion of alfalfa hay infected by Rhizoctonia leguminicola.

Concluding Remarks

  • This research has shed light on the impact that different fungi-contaminated plants can have on the health of grazing animals, especially in the South American region. It stresses the importance of understanding and addressing mycotoxicoses for animal health and productivity.

Cite This Article

APA
Riet-Correa F, Rivero R, Odriozola E, Adrien Mde L, Medeiros RM, Schild AL. (2013). Mycotoxicoses of ruminants and horses. J Vet Diagn Invest, 25(6), 692-708. https://doi.org/10.1177/1040638713504572

Publication

ISSN: 1943-4936
NlmUniqueID: 9011490
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 25
Issue: 6
Pages: 692-708

Researcher Affiliations

Riet-Correa, Franklin
  • 1Franklin Riet-Correa, Veterinary Hospital, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, Patos, Paraíba 58700-000, Brazil. franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br.
Rivero, Rodolfo
    Odriozola, Ernesto
      Adrien, Maria de Lourdes
        Medeiros, Rosane M T
          Schild, Ana Lucia

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Cattle
            • Cattle Diseases / epidemiology
            • Cattle Diseases / microbiology
            • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
            • Horse Diseases / microbiology
            • Horses
            • Mycotoxicosis / epidemiology
            • Mycotoxicosis / microbiology
            • Mycotoxicosis / veterinary
            • Mycotoxins / poisoning
            • South America / epidemiology

            Citations

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