Although the following section emphasizes the effects mycotoxins exert on animal health and performance, mycotoxins may also be a hazard to human health since animal products consumed by people may contain mycotoxin residues.
Mycotoxins produce a wide range of harmful effects in animals.
The economic impact of reduced animal productivity, increased incidence of disease due to immunosuppression, damage to vital organs, and interferences with reproductive capacity is many times greater than the impact caused by death due to mycotoxin poisoning. In comparison to other animals, poultry species tend to be resistant to the effects of fumonisin, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone. However, the presence of these mycotoxins within poultry rations is an indication that mold activity has occurred in the ration or in the ingredients within the ration. Since mold activity can generate numerous other mycotoxins as well as reduce the nutritive value and palatability of feeds, the presence of fumonisin, deoxynivalenol, or zearalenone in poultry feeds is cause for concern. Nursing animals may be affected by exposure to aflatoxin metabolites secreted in the milk.