MO Dept. of Ag warns to monitor mycotoxin levels in corn

(KBSI) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture encourages Missouri feed manufacturers, corn producers and livestock producers to monitor aflatoxin and fumonisin levels in corn harvested in 2023.

Mycotoxin levels have increased in Missouri corn due to prolonged drought, according to the MDA.

Feed contaminated with high aflatoxin and fumonisin levels may impact livestock.

The Missouri Departmnet of Agriculture monitors mycotoxin levels through the Bureau of Feed & Seed’s Annual Corn Survey.

MDA feed inspectors conduct the Corn Survey each fall by collecting corn samples from farms throughout the state during harvest.

The Feed Regulatory Program collects at least one corn sample from each corn-producing county. The samples combine corn harvested on multiple farms within each county. They are analyzed for crude protein, moisture, aflatoxin, and fumonisin at the MDA Feed Control Laboratory.

In 2023, 122 corn samples from 86 corn-producing counties were collected for the Corn Survey. Tap here to view sample collection details in the Corn Survey Report.

High fumonisin levels occur when hot, dry weather is followed by periods of high humidity. Many parts of Missouri experienced that in 2023.

Horses and other equids, as well as rabbits, are most sensitive to fumonisin. Although all livestock can experience effects.

Animals that consume high levels of fumonisin could demonstrate neurological symptoms such as confusion, circling, incoordination, agitation and facial twitching, according to MDA.

Consumption of corn contaminated with fumonisin causes “moldy corn poisoning” or leukoencephalomalacia. That translates to softening of the brain’s white matter.

View the 2023 Corn Survey at agriculture.mo.gov.

Tap here to learn more information about aflatoxin and fumonisin.

If symptoms occur, contact your veterinarian.

To have feed tested, contact the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.