Evaluation of a diagnostic model for aflatoxicosis in sheep: A prerequisite for future adoption of national surveillances

Abstract

The aim of this research is to evaluate a diagnostic model for uncovering an aflatoxicosis outbreak in sheep. The diagnostic model is based on differentiation between an aflatoxicosis suspected herd (ASH) and a control herd (CH) including, clinical findings, feed analysis for aflatoxin and othernutrients, hemato-chemical and biochemical profiles, histopathologic changes, and residual aflatoxin levels in their organs. There was a significant difference between the sheep of the ASH and CH in relation to mortality percent, symptoms, aflatoxin B1 level in their feed and tissues, hematological and biochemical parameters, liver and kidney enzymes and metabolites, serum electrolytes, and vitamins A and E. The relationship of the histopathological lesions of affectedtissues to the aflatoxin B1 is discussed. This diagnostic model resulted in significant differences among many assigned parameters in ASH compared to the CH, allowing for its future adoption in national surveillances of aflatoxicosis in sheep.