An acute case of fumonisin intoxication and pulmonary edema in pigs.

PARADA J.; GONZÁLEZ PEREYRA M.P.; CARRANZA A. ; BUSSO J.J.; CAMACHO P., ; MONGE M.P., ; MAGNOLI C.E,; CAVAGLIERI L.R; DALCERO A.M

Mendoza

Congreso; Mycored- Argentina. Strategies to rteduce the impact of mycotoxins in Latin America in a global contex; 2011

Fumonisins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, especially Fusarium verticillioides and F. proliferatum. Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is the most frequent natural contaminant in corn and their by-products, whereas FB2 and FB3 are found in lower proportions. Pigs are particularly sensitive to these toxins and pulmonary edema is the main syndrome associated with their ingestion. In the present study, an acute case of fumotoxicosis in a pig farm in Argentina was described. Anatomopathological and histopathology signs, especially in lungs, were analyzed by necropsy and the corn consumed by the animals was analyzed for fumonisins to confirm the micotoxicosis. In the term of three days, six sows and a boar died after showing respiratory signs, tachypnea and a foamy discharge from the nostrils. The necropsy revealed cyanosis in the mucosa and fluid accumulation in the pleural space (hydrothorax). Subpleural, interlobular and interalveolar edema was observed in the lungs. The liver showed sings of hepatosis. No macroscopic anatomopathologic lesions were observed in skin, brain, heart, kidney, stomach or intestine. According to the results of the necropsy, the hypothesis of an acute case of mycotoxicosis was proposed. Feed safety and handling issues in the farm were poor and the quality of the corn, stored for 7-10 days before feeding, was very low; many of the kernels were broken and the presence of unusual color and smell indicated fungal contamination. Fumonisin analysis performed by HPLC-MS/MS indicated the corn was contaminated with 12.58 ppm FB1. The high mycotoxin level found in the feed was immediately related to the anatomopathological signs in tissues, corroborating the micotoxicosis hypothesis. Controlling and preventing fungal contamination in feeds is essential to reduce economical losses as well as animal and human exposure to hazardous mycotoxins.