Zearalenone intoxication of pigs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Mycotoxicoses pose significant threats to livestock health and productivity.
• Zearalenone, a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, is known for its estrogenic effects.
• Contamination of feedstuffs with mycotoxins is a common issue in animal agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report and characterize cases of zearalenone mycotoxicosis in pigs.
• To identify the source and extent of zearalenone contamination in feed.
• To describe the clinical signs and pathological findings associated with zearalenone ingestion.

Main Methods:

• Field investigation on two affected pig farms.
• Analysis of feed samples for zearalenone concentration.
• Clinical examination of affected pigs.
• Necropsy and histopathological examination of a representative gilt.

Main Results:

• Zearalenone mycotoxicosis confirmed on two farms in Atherton Tableland, Queensland.
• Affected pigs consumed contaminated maize and sorghum grain with zearalenone levels up to 8 mg/kg.
• Prepubertal gilts exhibited enlarged teats, signs of oestrus, vulvar swelling, and prolapses (rectal and vaginal).
• Twenty-five pigs died from prolapses on one farm; reproductive issues including failure to conceive were noted in gilts.

Conclusions:

• Zearalenone mycotoxicosis can cause significant clinical signs and mortality in pigs, particularly in prepubertal gilts.
• Proper feed storage and management are crucial to prevent mycotoxin contamination and subsequent animal health issues.
• Early detection and removal of contaminated feed are essential to mitigate economic losses in swine production.