Recent acute and subacute mycotoxicoses recognized in France.

The research article investigates the occurrence of mycotoxic diseases in France and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for their effective prevention and diagnosis. Substances produced by fungi that can cause illness, called mycotoxins, and their impacts on animals and humans were studied in different climate conditions and linked to various symptoms.

Approach and Key Concepts

• The study underlines the importance of knowledge sharing between agronomists, technologists, toxicologists, and pathologists, suggesting that coordinated efforts can help solve the presence of harmful mycotoxins in the food chain.
• It discusses the production of harmful zootoxic metabolites: secondary fungal metabolism (mycotoxins), bioconversion of vegetal compounds, reactions of plants, and associations between plants and fungus.

Findings and Cases

• Through cooperation with a selected veterinary network, the researchers diagnosed cases of acute and subacute mycotoxicoses in France.
• Stachybotryotoxicosis was found not only in cold climates but also in mild and warm climates.
• The symptoms and lesions caused by these toxins varied significantly, from poor performance in a horse race to a general haemorrhagic syndrome.
• Cases of acute equine leucoencephalomalacia were diagnosed in the southern part of France and other countries (New Caledonia and the Ivory Coast). The diagnosis was supported by fumonisin analysis, a specific type of mycotoxin.
• Facial eczema in sheep, endemic in the Basque country, was linked to specific bioclimatic and zootechnic conditions.
• Reproductive disorders in animals were associated with high levels of coumestrol (a type of phytoalexin) found in alfalfa and clover.
• A few cases of fescue foot disease, associated with the Acremonium fungus, were recently diagnosed.

Conclusion and Implications

• The study concludes that the symptoms suggest a potential widespread occurrence of low-level toxins and insidious asymptomatic mycotoxicoses.
• This indicates a need for more research in the field to improve diagnosis and preventative measures against mycotoxins.

The research offers valuable insights into different mycotoxic diseases present in the French context and underlines the need for further research to improve diagnostic systems and prevent these diseases effectively.