Mycotoxicosis hard to get a grasp on

Why is mycotoxicosis so difficult to detect? Geof Smith, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, North Carolina State University, says there are a variety of reasons:

• Mycotoxin "hot spots" in TMR samples or hay bales that may or may not get included in a sample.
• Mycotoxicosis has non-specific symptoms, i.e. drop in milk production.
• There are interactions with other mycotoxins/stress/disease
• Lack of research with specific mycotoxins
• Species differences.
• Lack of feed samples.
• Difficulties in gathering accurate samples.
• Extensive and complex testing methods.

Smith spoke about mycotoxins in cattle at the Dr. Jack Walther 85th Annual Western Veterinary Conference this week in Las Vegas.

1. Zoetis, Texas Tech partner in Salmonella research
2. K-State animal sciences faculty member honored
3. Reducing stress at branding time
4. USDA'S novel cell line identifies all FMD virus serotypes
5. Bill would ease controlled substances law for veterinarians
6. Cattle temperament, immunity and performance

1. Arcanobacterium pyogenes renamed
2. Zoetis, Texas Tech partner in Salmonella research
3. Take advantage of eCVIs
4. Reducing stress at branding time
5. Dairy feed efficiency conference
6. Bill would ease controlled substances law for veterinarians