A Brief Discussion on the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Mycotoxins in Muscovy Ducks

Abstract : Mycotoxin poisoning in meat ducks most commonly affects young ducklings. 12 A disease characterized by clinical symptoms such as head tremors, neck twisting, paralysis, and rolling over, accompanied by white, watery stools. Post-mortem findings reveal yellowing of the liver, with severe cases showing reticular stripe-like necrosis, as well as enlarged kidneys that appear mottled—a condition known as "mottled kidney." Beyond causing fatalities and injuries, mycotoxin poisoning poses an even more significant threat: it suppresses the immune system, weakening the body's natural defenses and leading to a higher incidence of viral and bacterial infections.

Keywords: Mycotoxins, Hepatic Steatonecrosis, Mottled Kidney, Glucose Oxidase

    2017 Year 7 Suspected cases of mycotoxin poisoning have been widely reported among meat duck farms in the major poultry-producing provinces of Hebei and Shandong. Clinical and laboratory tests have confirmed these as instances of mycotoxin toxicity.

1. Clinical symptoms

   Most commonly occurs in 12 After a few days of age, the ducks initially show instability when standing, with wings spread and trembling throughout their bodies—especially in the head and neck. In severe cases, they develop twisted necks and bent backs. As the disease progresses, paralysis sets in, leading to sudden falls and an inability to regain their footing. Affected ducks also experience diarrhea, producing white, watery stools that resemble milk. Their body temperature remains slightly elevated, while appetite completely disappears. Over time, they become increasingly thin and eventually succumb to the illness. The mortality rate can reach 15% , and even higher if left untreated.

2. Autopsy findings

    Hepatic jaundice with enlarged margins; in severe cases, reticular striations of necrosis appear on the liver surface, resembling "Shell"-shaped. There are ulcerative lesions at the junction of the glandular and muscular stomachs, and in severe cases, the inner lining of the muscular stomach tends to detach easily. . The mucosa of the muscular stomach is often greenish in color. In ducks with prolonged disease, the intestinal mucosa shows signs of shedding. Severely affected ducks develop millet-sized nodules in their lungs, and in even more advanced cases, mold-like lesions appear on the lung tissue. Meanwhile, the renal tubules in the kidneys become swollen, with visible urate deposits. Additionally, the thymus and Bursa of Fabricius exhibit noticeable atrophy, while the testes or ovaries show premature development.

3. Laboratory tests

(1) Extract the moldy feed, dilute it with distilled water, collect the supernatant, and then inoculate it into PDA Culture medium, processed through 37 °Constant temperature incubation 24 Hours later, white, fluffy colonies were discovered in the culture medium.

(2 Collect lung, liver, spleen, and trachea tissues from sick ducks, then grind them for analysis. PCR Testing—results are shown in the figure below. A Household B Household

Aspergillus fumigatus detected in the clinical sample

4. Treatment

    The treatment principles for this disease are: eliminate external factors, protect the liver and promote kidney function, and prevent and manage secondary infections.

First, replace the moldy feed and clean the sink.

Second, add plenty of grapes to the drinking water, Vc Protects the liver, detoxifies, and boosts immunity. Simply add to drinking water. 2 Sodium bicarbonate at ‰ concentration is excreted by the kidneys.

Third, add glucose oxidase to the drinking water, along with antibiotic detoxification and anti-toxicity agents, to prevent secondary infections. It has been proven that glucose oxidase effectively reduces the incidence of disease.

5. Discussion

( 1 ) The production of mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are byproducts produced by molds during their growth, reproduction, and metabolic processes. The primary pathogens responsible for avian mycotoxicosis are Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus, with the Aspergillus genus being the most pathogenic.

Mold is ubiquitous in the environment, and feed raw materials naturally contain some mold as well. Mold thrives in humid conditions. 70% , Temperature 25 ° C It reproduces fastest in the environment, simultaneously generating large amounts of mycotoxins. Interestingly, the conditions during the duckling rearing period—specifically in the water troughs—perfectly match the optimal environment for mold growth. Since the troughs maintain the highest humidity and are also teeming with leftover feed residues, they become the areas where mold thrives most abundantly—and consequently, where the highest levels of toxins accumulate. Over time, these toxins gradually build up within the ducklings' bodies. 12 Symptoms of the illness appear after day age.

( 2 ) The dangers of mycotoxins

In addition to causing mortality and increased rates of deformities in ducklings, the most significant hazard posed by mycotoxins is their immunosuppressive effect. Even low doses can directly damage immune organs, leading to delayed production and reduced levels of interferons and cytokines. Over time, the accumulation of high concentrations of mycotoxins in the body results in atrophy of the thymus and bursa of Fabricius. At sufficiently high doses, mycotoxins inhibit protein synthesis, impairing antibody production and weakening humoral immunity. As a result, the overall immune system of the organism becomes compromised, increasing the susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. In actual cases, symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning did appear in the early stages, followed later by more severe viral illnesses such as adenovirus, which resulted in significant casualties. H9。

6. Summary

    In summer, rainfall is frequent, leading to hot, humid conditions that can easily cause feed to mold. Therefore, feed storage must be well-ventilated and kept moisture-free. Fill the feed bins in small portions but frequently, and clean and disinfect water troughs regularly to minimize the formation of mycotoxins.