This presentation is comprised of the concept of the mycotoxicosis, awareness on the damages of mycotoxicosis associated to animal and human health, measures for the mitigation and control of mycotoxins

2. Mycotoxicosis: A
Hidden Challenge
for Animal and
Public Health by
Prof. Dr. Sar Zamin Khan,
The University of
Agriculture Peshawar,
Pakistan
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3. Mycotoxicosis
DEFINITION:
 Mycotoxicosis refers to diseases in animals or
humans caused by the ingestion of food
products contaminated with mycotoxins and or
their metabolites
Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by
certain molds that can contaminate crops,
leading to health issues when consumed.

4. TYPES
There are several types of mycotoxins,
including Aflatoxins, Ochratoxins, and
Fumonisins.
 Aspergillus molds produce
aflatoxins and commonly
contaminate peanuts and grains.
 Ochratoxins, produced by
Aspergillus and Penicillium molds,
can be found in cereals, coffee, and
grapes.
 Fumonisins, produced by Fusarium
molds, are often found in corn and
corn-based products.

5. Types of
mycotoxicosis

6. Routes of Mycotoxin
Contamination in Feed
and Forage
 Pre-harvest contamination:
Molds produce mycotoxins on crops
before harvesting due to factors like weather
conditions.
 Post-harvest contamination:
Improper storage conditions, high moisture
levels, and damaged grains can lead to
mycotoxin production
 Processing and feeding practices:
Mycotoxins can accumulate during food
processing or when contaminated feed is
given to animals

7. How
Mycotoxins
Affect Animals

8. 1. Impact on Milk Yield
• Decreased milk production in dairy
animals.
• Interference with animal metabolism
and liver damage.
• Reduction in feed intake due to
mycotoxin exposure.
• Altered butterfat and Milk protein
levels.
• Lactation failure (agalactia).
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9. 2. Effects on
Reproduction
(Infertility,
Abortion) Risk of spontaneous abortions,
stillbirths, or birth of
weak/malformed offspring in
pregnant animals
Disruption of hormonal balance,
leading to:
Irregular
estrous
cycles
Cystic
ovaries
Infertility in
females

10. 3. Mastitis and
Mycotoxin
Contamination:
 Weakening of the immune system,
making animals more susceptible
to mastitis
 Inflammation of mammary gland
due to bacterial infections
 Contamination of milk with
mycotoxins, posing a risk to human
consumers
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11. 4. Immune
System
Failure in
Animals
Suppression of the immune
system, increasing
susceptibility to diseases
Recurrent illnesses and
reduced response to vaccines
Higher mortality rates among
animals exposed to
mycotoxins

12. 5. Effects of Mycotoxins
on Dairy Cows
 Reduced Milk Yield:
Mycotoxin contamination
in dairy cow feed leads to a decrease
in milk production, impacting the
quantity of milk a cow can yield.
This reduction results in economic
losses for farmers.
Altered Milk Composition:
Mycotoxins change the
chemical composition of milk. For
instance, aflatoxins can lead to the
presence of aflatoxin M1 in milk,
posing health risks for consumers
due to its carcinogenic nature.

13.  Impaired Reproductive
Performance:
Mycotoxins, especially
estrogenic mycotoxins like
zearalenone, disrupt the reproductive
system. This interference results in
irregular estrous cycles, reduced
conception rates, and an increase in
stillbirths, impacting overall
reproductive efficiency.
 Increased Susceptibility to
Diseases:
Weakened immunity due to
mycotoxin exposure makes dairy
cows more prone to diseases. This
heightened vulnerability leads to a
rise in infections, including common
ailments like mastitis.

14.  Digestive Disorders:
Mycotoxins negatively
affect the digestive system,
causing issues such as diarrhea,
reduced feed intake, and poor
nutrient absorption. These
problems compromise the
cow's health and productivity.
 Liver Damage:
Aflatoxins, in particular,
damage the liver, a vital organ
for detoxification. Liver
dysfunction occurs due to
mycotoxin exposure, impacting
the cow's overall health and
well-being.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

15. Economic Losses:
The cumulative impact of mycotoxins
results in reduced milk yield, poor
reproduction, increased disease incidence, and
higher costs, causing significant economic
losses for dairy farmers. Additionally,
mycotoxin-contaminated milk can lead to food
safety concerns and legal consequences if
consumed.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

16. Mycotoxin
Effects on
Poultry Birds
for Meat and
Egg Production

17. Mycotoxins in Poultry
Farming
 Introduction to Mycotoxins:
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds
produced by molds and fungi, commonly
found in improperly stored or contaminated
poultry feed. They pose a significant threat to
poultry health and production.
Importance of Understanding Impact:
Understanding mycotoxin contamination
is crucial because contaminated feed
negatively impacts poultry health,
productivity, and farm profitability.
Recognizing the signs of mycotoxin exposure
allows farmers to take preventive measures.

18. Common Mycotoxins in Poultry Feed
Aflatoxins:
• These mycotoxins are produced by
Aspergillus species of fungi, particularly
Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus
parasiticus.
• Aflatoxins are known for their potent
carcinogenic properties and can contaminate
various crops, including peanuts, corn, and
cottonseed.
• They affect liver function and weaken the
immune system.

19. Aflatoxin in maize Aflatoxin in peanuts
CONT...

20. Ochratoxins:
• Produced by molds like
Aspergillus and
Penicillium.
• They contaminate cereals,
coffee, and wine.
• Ochratoxins can cause
kidney damage and
compromise the bird's
overall health.

21. Fumonisins:
• These mycotoxins are produced by Fusarium
species.
• They interfere with nutrient absorption, leading
to poor growth rates and health issues in
poultry.

22. Reduced
Growth Rates
 Mycotoxin-contaminated feed disrupts
the absorption of essential nutrients, such
as proteins and vitamins, which are
crucial for poultry growth.
 Poor nutrient absorption leads to stunted
growth rates, resulting in smaller-sized
birds and lower market weight.

23. Poor Feed Conversion
Mycotoxins interfere with
the digestive process,
reducing the efficiency of
converting feed into body
mass.
Birds exposed to
mycotoxins require more
feed to gain the same
amount of weight,
increasing production costs
for farmers.

24. Health Issues
and Increased
Mortality
 Weakened Immune System:
Mycotoxins suppress the
immune system, making poultry
birds more susceptible to various
diseases. Common illnesses include
respiratory infections and bacterial
diseases.
 Increased Mortality:
Birds with compromised
immunity are more likely to succumb
to diseases, leading to higher
mortality rates within the flock.

25. Egg Quality and
Production
Egg Quality:
• Mycotoxins, especially
aflatoxins, can contaminate
eggs, leading to thin and brittle
eggshells.
• Contaminated eggs may also
have altered taste, color, or
texture, making them less
marketable.

26. Egg Production:
 Mycotoxins can disrupt the reproductive system, leading to a
decrease in egg production.
 Laying hens may lay fewer eggs or stop laying altogether.
 Poor fertility and hatchability.

27. Respiratory and
Digestive
Disorders
1. Respiratory Disorders:
Inhaling airborne mycotoxins can
lead to respiratory problems in
poultry, causing coughing,
sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
2. Digestive Disorders:
Ingesting mycotoxins can lead
to digestive issues such as diarrhea,
vomiting, and reduced nutrient
absorption, affecting overall bird
health.

28. Economic Impact and Prevention
 Economic Impact:
Mycotoxin-related problems result in increased veterinary
expenses, lower marketable poultry products, and economic losses for
farmers.
Prevention Strategies:
• Preventive measures include proper storage of feed in dry, cool
conditions, regular mycotoxin testing of feed samples, and the use of
mycotoxin binders to mitigate the effects of contaminated feed on
poultry health.
• Regular monitoring and quick intervention are key to minimizing
mycotoxin-related losses in poultry farming.

29. Mycotoxin Contamination in Animal Products
 Introduction:
• Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by molds that can
contaminate animal and poultry products. They can pose serious health risks
to humans if ingested.
 Importance:
• Understanding mycotoxin contamination is crucial as contaminated
animal products can enter the human food chain, leading to potential health
hazards. Proper knowledge and preventive measures are necessary to ensure
food safety.

30. Mycotoxin Contamination
in Animal Feed
• Feed Contamination:
Mycotoxins can contaminate animal feed when grains and
forage used in the feed are infected with mold. Mold growth
is favored by warm, humid conditions, and poor storage
practices can exacerbate contamination.
• Animal Consumption:
Animals, including poultry and livestock, consume
mycotoxin-contaminated feed. As they digest this feed,
mycotoxins are absorbed into their bodies and accumulate in
various tissues, including muscles, milk, and eggs.

31. Transfer of
Mycotoxins
to Animal
Products
 Accumulation in Tissues:
• Mycotoxins ingested by animals accumulate in their
tissues due to their inability to metabolize and eliminate
these toxins effectively.
• Consequently, mycotoxins can be found in animal-
derived products such as meat, milk, and eggs
 Bioaccumulation:
Mycotoxins tend to bioaccumulate, meaning they
accumulate in higher concentrations as they move up the
food chain. Predatory animals or humans-consuming
animals are thus exposed to higher concentrations of
mycotoxins.

32. Processing and Food
Preparation
 Impact of Processing:
Some mycotoxins are resistant to high
temperatures and other processing methods.
For example, aflatoxins can withstand
cooking and pasteurization, making them
challenging to eliminate during food
preparation.
 Contamination During Cooking:
• While cooking can reduce mycotoxin
levels to some extent, it may not eliminate
them entirely.
• Inadequately cooked or processed animal
products can still contain harmful levels of
mycotoxins, posing a risk to consumers.

33. Regulatory Measures and
Monitoring
 Regulatory Standards:
Governments and international bodies set
regulations and standards to limit mycotoxin levels
in animal products for human consumption.
Adherence to these standards is essential to ensure
food safety.
 Monitoring Procedures:
• Food safety agencies and producers conduct
regular monitoring and testing of animal
products to detect and mitigate mycotoxin
contamination.
• This ongoing surveillance helps maintain the
quality and safety of food products reaching
consumers.

34. Health Risks to Consumers
Health Implications:
Consumption of
mycotoxin-
contaminated animal
products can lead to
various health issues,
both acute and chronic.
Acute effects include
nausea, vomiting, and
abdominal pain.
chronic exposure can
result in liver damage,
immune system
suppression, and an
increased risk of cancer.

35.  Vulnerable Populations:
• Certain demographic groups,
such as children, the elderly, and
individuals with weakened
immune systems, are more
susceptible to mycotoxin-related
health problems.
• Special attention is required to
protect these vulnerable
populations.

36. Prevention and
Mitigation
 Preventive Measures:
Preventive strategies include ensuring proper
storage conditions for animal feed to prevent
mold growth, implementing quality control
measures in feed production, and using
mycotoxin binders that can neutralize
mycotoxins in the animal's digestive system.
 Quality Assurance:
Quality assurance programs are crucial in both
animal farming and food processing industries.
These programs involve rigorous testing,
monitoring, and adherence to best practices to
minimize the risk of mycotoxin contamination,
ensuring the safety of animal products reaching
consumers.

38. Mycotoxin
Residues in Milk
 Aflatoxin M1:
• The FDA sets a maximum
permissible level of 0.5 parts
per billion (ppb) for aflatoxin
M1 in milk and milk products
intended for human
consumption.
• This standard ensures that milk
exported from Pakistan meets
international safety
requirements, particularly
concerning aflatoxin
contamination.

39. Residues in Meat
 Aflatoxins and Ochratoxins:
• While the FDA does not specify direct
limits for aflatoxins and ochratoxins in
meat, these mycotoxins are generally
controlled through regulations
concerning animal feed.
• Ensuring that animals are not exposed to
contaminated feed is crucial to prevent
the bioaccumulation of mycotoxins in
meat.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

40. Mycotoxin
Residues in Eggs
 Aflatoxin B1:
• The FDA establishes a tolerance level of
20 ppb for aflatoxin B1 in eggs and egg
products.
• This regulation is essential for eggs
exported from Pakistan, as aflatoxins are
known to contaminate poultry feed.
• Strict monitoring of poultry feed quality
is necessary to meet these standards and
ensure the safety of exported eggs.

41. Preventive Measures and Quality Control
 Feed Quality Control:
• Implementing stringent quality control measures for animal feed is
paramount.
• Regular testing of feed ingredients and proper storage conditions
can prevent mycotoxin contamination at the source.
 Use of Mycotoxin Binders:
Farmers can use mycotoxin binders, additives added to animal feed,
which absorbs mycotoxins in the digestive tract, preventing their
absorption into the animal's body.

42.  Good Agricultural Practices (GAP):
• Encouraging farmers to adopt Good Agricultural Practices,
including proper sanitation, pest control, and timely harvesting,
reduces the risk of mycotoxin contamination in crops and
subsequently in animal products.

43. International Collaboration and Monitoring
 Collaboration with Regulatory Bodies:
• Collaboration between Pakistani regulatory bodies and international
counterparts, including the FDA, facilitates the exchange of
information, harmonization of standards, and ensures compliance
with international regulations.
 Regular Monitoring and Testing:
• Regular monitoring and testing of milk, meat, and egg samples for
mycotoxin residues are essential.
• This involves utilizing advanced laboratory techniques to detect
even trace amounts of mycotoxins, ensuring that the products meet
the prescribed standards.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

44. Documentation and
Certification
 Export Documentation:
Proper documentation, including
certificates of analysis, demonstrating
compliance with FDA standards, is
necessary for the export of milk, meat, and
eggs. Thorough record-keeping ensures
traceability and transparency in the export
process.
 Quality Assurance Certification:
Obtaining quality assurance certifications,
such as ISO and HACCP, adds credibility
to Pakistani products, demonstrating
adherence to international quality and
safety standards.

45. Mycotoxin-Related
Health Complications

46. Acute
Complications
• Food Poisoning Symptoms:
Mycotoxin ingestion can cause symptoms
like food poisoning, including nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
These acute complications can occur
shortly after consuming contaminated
food.
• Short-Term Effects:
Acute exposure to mycotoxins can result
in immediate health issues, especially if a
significant amount of contaminated food
is consumed, leading to rapid onset of
symptoms.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

47. Chronic
Health Conditions
 Liver Damage:
• Certain mycotoxins, like aflatoxins, are
known to cause chronic liver damage.
• Prolonged exposure can lead to
hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver
cancer.
 Immunosuppression:
• Mycotoxins can weaken the immune
system, making individuals more
susceptible to infections and diseases,
potentially leading to chronic health
complications.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

48. Neurological
Complications
 Neurotoxic Effects:
• Some mycotoxins, such as
Fumonisins, have neurotoxic
properties.
• Chronic exposure can lead to
neurological disorders, including
tremors, seizures, and impaired
motor skills.
 Impact on the Nervous System:
• Mycotoxins can damage the nervous
system, affecting both motor and
cognitive functions.
• These complications can be long-
term and significantly impact a
person's quality of life.

49. Reproductive and
Developmental Issues
 Reproductive Problems:
Mycotoxins like zearalenone can cause
reproductive issues in both men and women,
affecting fertility and increasing the risk of
miscarriages.
 Developmental Disorders:
Mycotoxin exposure during pregnancy can lead
to developmental disorders in fetuses,
potentially causing birth defects and long-term
health complications for the child.

50. Allergic Reactions and
Respiratory Complications
 Allergic Reactions:
• Some individuals may develop allergies to mycotoxin-
contaminated foods, leading to skin rashes, itching, and
difficulty breathing.
 Respiratory Problems:
• Mycotoxin exposure, especially in moldy environments, can
trigger or exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma and
bronchitis, leading to chronic respiratory complications.

51. Cancer Risk
 Carcinogenicity:
• Certain mycotoxins, notably aflatoxins, are
classified as carcinogens.
• Long-term exposure to these substances
significantly increases the risk of
developing various cancers, including liver,
lung, and gastrointestinal cancers.
 Increased Cancer Risk:
• Chronic mycotoxin exposure can lead to a
higher likelihood of cancer development,
making it a serious long-term health risk
associated with mycotoxin-contaminated
products.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

52. Prevention and Public Awareness
 Preventive Measures:
• Rigorous food safety regulations, including mycotoxin
testing, proper storage practices, and quality control
measures, are essential to prevent mycotoxin
contamination in food products.
 Public Awareness:
• Educating the public about mycotoxin risks, proper food
storage, and the importance of purchasing products from
reputable sources is crucial.
• Public awareness campaigns contribute to minimizing
health complications associated with mycotoxin
consumption, ensuring consumer safety.

53. Mycotoxicosis
Mitigation
Importance:
Effective mitigation strategies are crucial
to ensuring food safety and preventing
mycotoxin-related health issues.
These measures protect consumers and
livestock from the adverse effects of
mycotoxicosis.

54. Proper Crop
Management
 Crop Rotation:
• Farmers can rotate crops to disrupt
the lifecycle of molds and pests,
reducing the chances of mold growth
and mycotoxin contamination.
 Timely Harvesting:
• Harvesting crops at the right maturity
stage prevents overripening, which
can create favorable conditions for
mold growth.
• Timely harvesting reduces the risk of
mycotoxin formation.

55. Adequate Storage Conditions
Proper Drying:
Proper drying methods,
such as sun drying or
artificial drying
techniques, reduce crop
moisture content.
Drier crops are less
susceptible to mold
growth and mycotoxin
production.
Effective Storage:
Well-ventilated and dry
storage facilities, such
as silos and bins, help
maintain the quality of
crops.
Proper storage prevents
moisture buildup,
inhibiting mold growth
during storage.

56. Mycotoxin Testing
and Monitoring
 Regular Testing:
• Regular testing of crops for mycotoxin
contamination is essential.
• Techniques like enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-
performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
are used to detect mycotoxin levels.
 Real-time Monitoring:
• Real-time monitoring systems use sensors
and technology to provide immediate alerts
when mycotoxin levels exceed safe
thresholds. This allows for swift intervention
to prevent contaminated products from
reaching consumers.

57. Quality Feed and Food Processing
 Quality Control:
• Quality control measures in feed and food processing
industries ensure that raw materials and ingredients are
mycotoxin-free.
• Rigorous quality checks are essential to prevent mycotoxin-
contaminated products from entering the market.
 Detoxification Techniques:
• Various detoxification methods, such as heat treatment,
chemical binding agents, and biological degradation, can
eliminate or reduce mycotoxin levels in processed products.
These techniques are employed to enhance food safety.

58. Education and Training
 Farmers and Producers:
• Education and training programs
educate farmers and producers about
identifying, preventing, and managing
mycotoxins.
• Knowledge dissemination helps them
implement best practices in
cultivation and storage.
 Food Industry Workers:
• Workers in the food processing
industry receive training on
mycotoxin risks and adherence to
food safety protocols.
• Educated workers ensure that
processing methods minimize
mycotoxin contamination.

59. International
Collaboration and
Research
 Collaborative Efforts:
• Collaboration between countries, regulatory
bodies, and research institutions facilitates the
sharing of knowledge, best practices, and
research findings related to mycotoxin
mitigation. International cooperation enhances
global food safety standards.
 Research and Innovation:
• Continued research and innovation lead to the
development of new technologies and products
for mycotoxin mitigation.
• Investment in research drives the improvement
of prevention and management strategies,
ensuring ongoing progress in the field.

60. Regulatory Measures
and Policy
Implementation
 Stringent Regulations:
• Governments establish stringent
regulations and standards regarding
mycotoxin levels in food and feed products.
Regular inspections and penalties for non-
compliance enforce these regulations,
ensuring products meet safety standards.
 Policy Implementation:
• Effective policy implementation at national
and international levels enforces mycotoxin
mitigation strategies.
• Strong policies safeguard public health,
ensuring the safe consumption of food
products and minimizing the risk of
mycotoxicosis.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

61. CONCLUSION
1. Mycotoxicosis Threats: Impact on Animal and
Human Health
2. Diverse Mycotoxins: Varied Contaminants in
Food Products
3. Animal Impact: Disruption in Milk Yield,
Reproduction, and Immune Systems
4. Poultry Challenges: Reduced Meat Production
and Compromised Egg Quality
5. Complex Contamination Pathways:
Mycotoxins Enter Human Food Chain

62. CONT..
6. Stringent Standards: Hygienic Regulations (FDA
Limits) for International Exports
7. Human Complications: Short-term Allergies to
Long-term Health Concerns
8. Mitigation Strategies: Preventive Measures,
Technological Interventions, and Awareness
9. Collaborative Efforts: International Cooperation,
Research Initiatives, and Policy Implementation
10. Continuous Vigilance: Monitoring, Research, and
Education for Safer Food Supply

63. THANK YOU