A Short communication on Clinical-Laboratory Investigation of Moldy gram poisoning in mule herd in Bajura District of Nepal.

An clinical epidemiological investigation of Acute sudden death syndrome due to which 22 mules from a herd of 1400 died within the period of 0ctober to November 2009 in Bajura 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 grame.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 55-60% moldy in appearance. On Postmortem examination acute severe congestion and hemorrhages in liver, lung, spleen heart, and intestinal mucosa were found. While  lesions in the cerebral cortex was found from none to multifocal areas of hemorrhage and necrosis, to the presence of large cavitations of liquefactive necrosis Histopathological examination of tissue from these organs revealed infiltration of mononuclear cell in tissue indicative of chronic nature of condition.Continous use of apparently 55-60% moldy grain (gram) was used as feed. On laboratory analysis of sample of same grain was found to be containing 22.00000 - 83.00000 CFU/gm of Penicillium spp of fungus. When remaining herd still using same feed treated with Antidegnala liquor toxin binder (Varishta), liver tonic like hepatocare, and immunocare controlled the mortality may be indicative of the disease syndrome being caused by moldy corn poisoning similar 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 immunomodulator is going to reduce the chances of occurring this syndrome.

Equinelukoencephalomalcia,      moldy gram poisoning,hepatocare,Varishta,Antidegnala liquor,immunocare,mule Bajura,Nepal, penicillium, CFU.

 

 

 In Barjugad of Bajura District of Far western region of Nepal in month of October -November 2009 mules from herd of 1400 stared dying suddenly showing symptoms like excessive sweating, trembling and lying down on the ground. In a period  of one month in weekly  interval death of 5-6 mules was reported which did not responded the antibiotic and other supportive therapy. After obtaining a thorough history and completing a physical examination No disease-related gross lesions were present in the rest of mule in the herd. it was discovered that the mules were being fed cracked and moldy gram and rice hauls that was being scooped up from sacs piled in local warehouse. The mortality in mule herd in this area in same season was reported in year 2006 2007 and 2008 with mortality recorded as 3, 6, 33,no while this year total 22 death of mule was recorded.Post-mortem examination of death Mule revealed severe congestion of liver, lung,speen, heart,serosangqinus fluid in thoracic cavity.Haemorrhage in stomach mucosa. At necropsy, lesions in the cerebral cortex was found from none to multifocal areas of hemorrhage and necrosis, to the presence of large cavitations of liquefactive necrosis.For bacteriological culture blood.Liver, lung, spleen, heart  brain tissue were collected in ice and for histopathological examination same tissues were collected in formaline.Blood Fecal samples for endoparasite examination.Feedgrains:Maize,Grame for mycological culture identification,quantitification were collected.Mules in herds were treated with 2% 5ml Antidegnala liquor S/C and followed by 2ml orally for 5 days toxinbinder Varishta 10g/100kg feed grain, Hepatocare liquid, immunomodulator immunocare liquid for 10-15 days , as treatment and preventive measure.No further mortality in the herd was reported.

Bacteriological culture of tissue specimen, blood: revealed no growth of any bacteria.Fecal examination revealed the Mixed Strongyels spp.
Penicillium, spp on mycological media.2200000 CFU/gm mold colonies recorded in rice haul feed samples and 8300000 CFU/gm mold colonies in gram feed sample was recorded where as Over 5 million CFU/gm of feed is considered as unsafe for equines.Histopathological changes revealed  fatty degeneration of hepatocytes.Mononuclear cells infiltration in the form of few nodules in liver. Perivascular cuffing. Infiltration of mononuclear cells in the form of nodules in lungs. Deep medullary region reveals infiltration of mononuclear cells in kidney.
The number of white cells seems to be increased in the area of white pulp in spleen. There were multifocal areas of liquefactive necrosis within the cerebral cortex with infiltration of macrophages.  As approximately 55-60% moldy gram infestated with Penicillium spp being fed regularly to these herd.Intermitent but acute sudden death during post rainy season suggest the death due to fungal toxin. Dr. Steve Hooser and  Dr. Duane Murphy 2003 reported  histopathological changes in the tissue of lung ,liver, kidney brain a center of necrosis with no recognizable structure will be observed in moldy corn poisoning in horse . The transition between normal and necrotic tissue will often show hemorrhage, edema, congested blood vessels and neuronophagia. In animals with the hepatotoxic syndrome, livers will be swollen and a diffuse yellow-brown color. Irregular nodules and pale foci can be seen in hepatic parenchyma.  Karki 2003 reported the pathogenicity of Fusarium revealed that it causes hepatic congestion with mild triaditis, pulmonary congestion, and splenic lymphoid hyperplasia.Further more a positive response to treatment with toxinbinder, adaptogen,immunomdulater further confirm the sudden death was due to moldy corn poisoning. Further monitoring of finding of this investigation is suggested.
Conclusion:
Findings of this investigation indicates that moldy feed grains and ingredients are infested with toxic fungus is emerging as a new health hazard for livestock and poultry.Simultonious use of toxinbinder,adaptogen like livertonic,mineralmixture and Immunomodulaters drugs promises to help in minimizing health risk in livestock and poultry production should be looked into.
References:

1:MOLDY CORN POISONING HORSES:(Equine Leukoencephalomalacia Mark Russell, PhD, Department of Animal Sciences Don Scott, PhD, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology William Hope, DVM, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Cooperative Extension Service Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907 , BOLETIM TÉCNICO No. 15 - http://www.micotoxinas.com.br/ Retrieved on 21/12/2009
2:FINAL DIAGNOSIS -Moldy Corn Poisoning (Equine Leukoencephalomalacia, Fumonisin Toxicity) in Horses : Dr. Steve Hooser, ADDL Toxicologist Dr. Duane Murphy, ADDL Pathologist Spring 2003 Newsletter http;//www.addl.purdue.edu/newsletters/2003/Spring/finaldx.shtml. Retrieved on 21/12/2009

3:Prevent mycotoxin's harmful effects from impacting your horse's health and performance.Mycotoxins in Equine Feed,: By Trevor K. Smith, PhD, PAg www.ecmagazine.net/.../mycotoxin2.jpg Retrieved on 21/12/2009

4:Grain Molds and Mycotoxins in Corn: Jim Stack, Extension Research Plant Pathologist Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.http://cbc.homestead.com/Archives.html, Retrieved on 21/12/2009
 6:Varishta:www.varshagroup.com
7:Pathogenecity Assessment of Fusarium graminearum in Mice. Kedar B.Karki:pp14,Vetcon 2003, 7th national veterinary conference 2003,Nepal Veterinary Association.
Acknowledgement:
We would like to acknowledge Dr.Damodar Sedai  Chief Veterinary Officer,Dr.Salina Manandhar, Dr.Krishna Raj Panday Dr.Pragya Koirala Veterinary Officer and all laboratory technician for their contribution in Laboratory work and investigation work.