Only 20 parts per billion of this toxin will make the grain unusable for feed. This toxin is also dangerous if fed to dairy animals because a form of the toxin can be transferred to milk. Other possible problem fungi are Fusarium in corn and most small grains and Penicillium in any grain. These toxins produce many different types of detrimental effects in humans and animals, so the diagnosis of mycotoxin poisoning is often difficult based on symptoms. It is more easily diagnosed from suspect grain samples.
Spores are microscopic, dustlike particles that are almost everywhere in the environment.
Because they are so widespread, it is impossible to prevent most fungi from inoculating the grain at some point in the production cycle, so the best strategy for preventing contamination is to avoid conditions that will allow these spores to germinate and grow. In almost every case, the insect feeding site is a point of inoculation for these toxigenic fungi, and in the field, or in storage, these feeding sites are foci from which fungal contamination begins. Insect control in the field and in storage is an absolute must if mycotoxin contamination is to be controlled in grains. Timely and sanitary harvest is another essential ingredient in mycotoxin control. Grain that is harvested before it is fully mature contains excessive moisture that will promote the growth of fungi in storage bins.