Ostrich micotoxity Struthio camelus. Case report

Abstract

Micotoxins can cause toxic effects, teratogenics, mutagenics, carcinogenics and imunedepression. The first clinical signals are weakness and inapetence. The liver presents  increase in volume and hepatic fibrosis. The micotoxins cause economic losses due to animal mortality. An ostrich farm, 150 birds, of varied ages, presented several cases of animals with motor incoordination, appetite loss and apathy. After four deaths, specialized help was seeked. Necropsy of the dead animals showed liver lesions and visual observation indicated ration with “mould”, suspect of micotoxity. Sending of the materials to the laboratory (liver and ration), comproved the presence of fungus and liver lesions. All the birds received, orally,, amino acids and polivitaminics. The most effective form to prevent micotoxins and their harmful effect to an ostrich farm is to control the development of fungus in the ration of the birds. The risk factors are presented by  aflatoxin contamination in the rations an other  food  ingredients.