Mycotoxicoses of Importance to the Bovine Practitioner

Abstract

Diseases of cattle caused by molds and fungi have a long history in veterinary medicine. Many diseases result from the growth of molds in the animal, and they are called mycoses. These have been roughly divided into Derma- tomycoses such as Trichophytosis of cattle, and deep (systemic) mycoses such as actinomycosis. Increased interest and training in medical mycology have yielded great advances in this area of disease. The conditions are frequently complications of the use of antibiotics. The most fascinating aspect of mycology to the toxicologist is the field of mycotoxicosis. This is the study of the myco- toxins produced during various phases of mold growth whether it occurs within the animal or on feed which will be consumed by the animal.