Dean Stewart, wildlife specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said low levels of aflatoxin, a toxic chemical byproduct of grain mold, can kill some birds, while larger animals can tolerate much more. Depending on the level of aflatoxin and how much is eaten, large mammals such as white-tailed deer can experience weight loss, anemia and reproductive problems. It can kill smaller animals and birds. Wild turkeys, particularly this year's poults, are especially susceptible as the toxins suppress the animal's immune system. Don Bales, Wilkinson County Extension agent, said a lot of corn will be available to people at cheap prices around the state.
Grain elevators can only buy corn with certain levels of aflatoxin.
The rest should be deep plowed under. Growers may turn to the wildlife feeding market to salvage some value from their crop. Hunters and wildlife managers should be aware of the potential problems with aflatoxin contaminated corn. Corn which is not acceptable for domestic animals should not be fed to wildlife. Stewart said increased interest in feeding wildlife makes the aflatoxin threat even greater than before.