Impact of Fumonisins, Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A on Poultry Industry

Abstract

Brazil is the third largest producer of poultry in the world and the leading exporter. However, mycotoxin contamination in corn and feed can cause serious economic losses to the poultry industry. Mycotoxins have been linked to several poultry diseases and, when metabolized may occur in meat and eggs and are an additional source for human contamination. Therefore, continuous monitoring of mycotoxin levels in the feed producing chain is essential to increase productivity, ensure poultry product quality and minimize human health hazards. The aim of this study was to revise the main aspects of mycotoxins (fumonisin, aflatoxins and ochratoxin A), including the producing fungi, the biosynthesis pathway, the toxicological effects in poultry and occurrence in corn and poultry feed.