Biomin's laboratory test results from the Mycotoxin Survey Programme have uncovered exceedingly high aflatoxin levels in samples taken from the latest corn crop throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Test results revealed that over 65 percent of the samples, where the majority was collected from South Asian countries, contained high aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) contamination levels among which some were ranging from 600 mcg (microgramme)/kg to 5500 mcg/kg.

A surge in the prevalence and level of aflatoxin contamination in new harvest corn may be hazardous to broiler and swine feed manufacturers.

Aflatoxins are associated with various diseases in livestock, and strive in warm to hot, humid regions.

Not just affecting animals through feeds, aflatoxin can enter the food chain through contaminated cereals and foods (such as milk, meat and milk) obtained from animals fed mycotoxin-contaminated feeds. 

With the high occurrence of aflatoxin among the fresh crop of Asian corn in the market, feed manufacturers and farmers should be highly cautious and take protective measures to assure feed safety for their animals.

All animal species appear to be susceptible, although sensitivity varies greatly from species to species. Young animals are most sensitive to the effects of aflatoxins. Clinical symptoms include liver damage, jaundice, gastrointestinal dysfunction, anemia, decreased reproductive performance, reduced productivity (reduced feed intake, and impaired FCR), embryonic death, birth defects, tumours and suppressed immune system function, even at low mycotoxin level consumption. Nursing animals may be affected by exposure to aflatoxin metabolites secreted in the milk.

Biomin focuses on animal health and nutrition, developing and producing specialty feed additives, premixes and services to improve animal health and performance.