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Research
4. Clinical-epidemiological
investigation of moldy corn poisoning due to penicillium spp in
mules at Udayapur district, Nepal - Kedar
Karki and Poornima Manandha
Vet World. 2008; 1(4): 107-109
Abstract
A
clinical epidemiological investigation of Acute sudden death
syndrome due to which 31 mules from a herd of 900 died
within the period of 12-07-2006 to 21-10-2006 in Udayapur
District Nepal. These animals were being used for good
transportation work in hilly region of Nepal. On rout these
animals were being fed only whole maize and gram. Normally healthy
looking animals started dying suddenly. Initially suspected for
acute bacterial disease and treated with broad-spectrum
antibiotics and vaccinated with bacterial vaccine.On close
observation of herd their feed stuff revealed grains fed to these
animal during rainy season was found 20% moldy in appearance. On
Postmortem examination acute severe congestion and hemorrhages in
liver, lung, spleen heart, intestinal mucosa were found.
Histopathological examination of tissue from these organs revealed
infiltration of mononuclear cell in tissue indicative of chronic
nature of condition.Continous use of apparently 15-20% moldy grain
(maize, gram) was used as feed. On laboratory analysis of sample
of same grain was found to be containing 610-11010 Cfu/gm
of Penicillium spp
of fungus. When remaining herd still using same feed treated with
toxin binder (toxicurb, varishta), liver tonic like bioliv,
digevet, mineral mixture promin and immunocare controlled the
mortality may be indicative of the disease syndrome being caused
by moldy corn poisoningsimilar to condition Equine
Encephalomalacia.Laboratory findings and response of treatment
indicates that during rainy season and immediately after rainy
season feeding of stored grains are going to be detrimental to
equine species. During this period care should be taken to feeding
grains to this animal if treated with any toxin binder as well as
herbal immunomodulater is going to reduce the chances of occurring
this syndrome.
Keywords: Clinical-epidemiological
investigation, Moldy Corn poisoning, Penicillium
Spp., Mule, Nepal
