Aflatoxicosis

Abstract

Aflatoxicosis is a noninfectious, noncontagious intoxication of an animal with a metabolite produced by a toxic mold. It is characterized in the acute phase by death loss and in the chronic cases by consumption decrease and death loss due to hepatic and renal insufficiency. Morbidity and mortality rates range from 5 to 55%.

The etiological agents most commonly incriminated are Aspergillis flavus and Penicillium rubum. The literature states that other molds are also capable of producing toxic metabolites. As research continues and need arises, I feel sure that more molds will be found that produce toxic metabolites.