Mycoflora of the toxic feeds associated with equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM) outbreaks in Brazil

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M C Meireles1, B Corrêa, O Fischman

  • 1Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brasil.

Mycopathologia
|September 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Fusarium species, particularly Fusarium moniliforme, were the most common fungi found in Brazilian equine feed linked to Equine Leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM) outbreaks. High moisture content in feed also favored Fusarium development, posing a risk to horse health.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Mycology
  • Animal Toxicology
  • Equine Health

Background:

  • Equine Leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM) is a serious neurological disease affecting horses.
  • Fungal contamination of animal feed is a significant concern for livestock health.
  • Previous studies on ELEM-associated mycoflora in Brazil are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and quantify the mycoflora in feed samples from Equine Leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM) outbreaks in Brazil.
  • To determine the prevalence of specific Fusarium species associated with ELEM.
  • To investigate the relationship between feed moisture content and fungal development.

Main Methods:

  • Microbiological examination of 39 feed samples from 29 ELEM outbreaks (1988-1990).
  • Identification of fungal genera (Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus) and species.
  • Quantification of fungal occurrence percentages.
  • Measurement of feed moisture content.

Main Results:

  • Fusarium spp. were the most frequent molds (97.4%), followed by Penicillium spp. (61.5%) and Aspergillus spp. (35.9%).
  • Fusarium moniliforme was the predominant species (82.0%).
  • Feed moisture content above 15% was associated with Fusarium development.
  • Fusarium proliferatum (12.8%) and F. subglutinans (2.6%) were isolated, with previous documentation lacking in Brazil.

Conclusions:

  • Fusarium species, especially F. moniliforme, are strongly associated with Equine Leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM) outbreaks in Brazilian equine feed.
  • Elevated feed moisture content creates favorable conditions for the proliferation of toxigenic Fusarium species.
  • The isolation of F. proliferatum and F. subglutinans in Brazil represents a novel finding in the context of ELEM-associated feed contamination.

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