Fungal diseases

- General transmission of Mycotoxins

Conditions to Encourage Fungal Growth?

-  Relative humidity over 70%.

- Temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius for a period of a few days to a week.

-  Stress to the affected plant, such as drought, flood, or insect infestation.

- High moisture content of crop (20% or higher).

-  Must occur in conjunction, or fungal growth cycle will cease.

Mode of  infection

-  Mycotoxicosis is caused by ingestion of a diet containing more than the permissible limits (5ppm toxic substances for some mycotoxin) produced by molds growing on feed (prior or during harvesting or during storage), feed ingredients and possibly litter. Several types of fungi produce toxins that may cause problems in poultry, but of primary concern are substances produced by the Aspergillus flavus fungi and are thus called aflatoxins. Several other fungi also produce toxins that cause the disease.