Impact of Mycotoxins on Poultry Health Clinical signs, Risk Management and Control

Mycotoxin contamination of poultry feed is a major challenge affecting bird health, productivity, and profitability worldwide. Poultry feeds containing cereal grains and protein-rich ingredients are highly susceptible to fungal contamination under conditions of high humidity, elevated temperature, poor ventilation, and prolonged storage. Fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium produce important mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, T-2 toxin, and zearalenone. These toxins can impair growth, feed efficiency, immune function, reproduction, and gut health, while increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases. Diagnosis of mycotoxicosis involves clinical evaluation, feed analysis, pathological examination, and laboratory techniques such as ELISA, HPLC, TLC, and LC-MS/MS. Economic losses arise from reduced production performance, increased mortality, poor vaccine response, and higher treatment costs. Prevention and control strategies include implementation of good agricultural and storage practices, routine monitoring of feed quality, maintenance of low moisture levels, and the use of effective mycotoxin binders and biotransforming agents. An integrated management approach is essential to minimize the impact of mycotoxins and ensure sustainable poultry production.