Once the water clears in flood-ravaged farmland, there’s another threat to livestock — and this one isn’t quite as obvious.
Once the waters recede, the residual moisture creates a perfect environment for mold.
But even mold isn’t the main problem — it’s the mycotoxins produced by certain molds that make animals really sick. They can also contaminate meat and milk, making people sick, too. What’s more, a particular mycotoxin called aflatoxin can sometimes cause cancer.
That’s why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that crops be tested for mycotoxins, bacterial pathogens and certain chemicals. Any feed ingredient that looks moldy should also be tested for mycotoxins — particularly aflatoxin.