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Efficacy of thiabendazole (Mertect 340-F) in controlling mold in turkey confinement housing
Abstract:
Mertect 340-F (thiabendazole) was evaluated as a mold inhibitor for litter in turkey confinement housing using green oak wood shavings heavily contaminated with mold spores. One day before the addition of shavings, two environmentally controlled rooms were sprayed with Mertect 340-F at a rate of 51.0 ml in 11.37 liters of water (16 fl. oz./6000 sq. ft.). After the litter was added, it was treated with Mertect 340-F at a rate of 33.0 ml in 75.8 liters of water (32 fl. oz./6000 sq. ft.). The litter was treated again at 6 and 12 weeks. Mertect 340-F-treated litter had significantly lower mold spore counts than water-treated litter. Turkeys reared on Mertect 340-F-treated litter displayed no adverse effects. No obvious differences between groups were noted post mortem. Microscopically, however, lungs from turkeys on water-treated litter had a higher incidence of granulomas and mycelia than lungs from birds on Mertect 340-F-treated litter.
Insights
Mertect 340-F effectively inhibited mold growth in turkey litter, significantly reducing mold spore counts. Turkeys on treated litter showed healthier lungs, indicating no adverse effects from the mold inhibitor.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Mycology
- Poultry Husbandry
Background:
- Mold contamination in animal bedding poses health risks to livestock.
- Thiabendazole is a known antifungal agent with potential applications in animal husbandry.
- Effective mold control in turkey confinement housing is crucial for flock health and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Mertect 340-F (thiabendazole) as a mold inhibitor for turkey litter.
- To assess the impact of Mertect 340-F treatment on mold spore counts in wood shavings.
- To determine any adverse effects of Mertect 340-F on turkey health and lung histology.
Main Methods:
- Mertect 340-F was applied to oak wood shavings in turkey confinement rooms.
- Litter treatments were administered before stocking and at 6 and 12 weeks.
- Mold spore counts in litter and lung tissues were microscopically analyzed.
- Turkey health and post-mortem findings were monitored.
Main Results:
- Mertect 340-F treated litter exhibited significantly lower mold spore counts compared to water-treated controls.
- No adverse effects were observed in turkeys reared on Mertect 340-F treated litter.
- Histological examination revealed fewer lung granulomas and mycelia in turkeys on treated litter.
Conclusions:
- Mertect 340-F is an effective mold inhibitor for turkey litter.
- Using Mertect 340-F in confinement housing improves flock lung health.
- Thiabendazole application in bedding is a viable strategy for mold control in poultry farms.