There are several reasons for this concern. The drought has stressed the corn crop.
Stressed corn is more susceptible to infestation by a mold known as Aspergillus flavus .
This mold is capable of producing a mycotoxin known as aflatoxin. F.D.A. field offices have already been alerted to the potential for higher than normal aflatoxin levels in the 1988 corn crop. You may have heard in the media of reports that feed samples have been found containing aflatoxins. At this time, no one is sure whether these are isolated incidences or widespread problems. In my laboratory we have tested some moldy corn from the field and found that it is capable of causing a neurological disease in young chicks.