SUBACUTE TOXIC EFFECTS OF DIETARY T-2 TOXIN IN YOUNG MALLARD DUCKS

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 47  (2) , 180-187
Abstract
Young Mallard ducks (A. platyrhynchos) were fed diets containing purified T-2 toxin at levels of 20 or 30 ppm for 2 or 3 wk. Ingestion of T-2 toxin was associated with reduced wt gain and delayed development of adult plumage. Affected ducks developed caseonecrotic plaques throughout the upper alimentary tract, especially in oropharynx and ventriculus. Several ducks also developed severe ulcerative, proliferative esophagitis and proventriculitis. Generalized atrophy of all lymphoid tissues consistently occurred. The manifestations of T-2 mycotoxicosis in Mallard ducks were mostly attributable to irritant toxicity to the alimentary mucosa. The T-2 toxin caused neither hematopoietic suppression nor a hemorrhagic syndrome in ducks. These alimentary lesions of T-2 mycotoxicosis in ducks do not resemble diseases of native waterfowl presently being recognized in routine surveillance of waterfowl mortality in Saskatchewan.