It is associated with feeding corn containing fumonisin, hence the name moldy corn disease. Poorly stored corn and drought stressed corn cause an increase incidence and need for awareness for the prevalence of this mycotoxicosis. The incidence of fusarium problems increased a couple of years ago when corn was in short supply. The problems were most associated with use of corn screenings. When other mold probems such as aflatoxins are heightened, feed companies should test corn used in horse feeds through use of on site tests and laboratory analysis.
Problems can occur without obvious visual mold growth.
There is no specific antidote for the toxin, therapy is primarily supportive. Aflatoxicosis Aflatoxins are toxic products produced by Aspergillus mold. It can be produced by mold in several feedstuffs, most commonly in stored cottonseeds, peanut meal and corn. Treatment includes the same preventative measures, and again therapy is primarily supportive. Ergotism Ergot mycotoxin is produced by the Claviceps mold.