Abstract. Chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) are known to be very sensitive to aflatoxins, and often a large number of animals die if toxicosis occurs. An outbreak of acute aflatoxicosis on a chinchilla farm in Argentina is described in the present study. A commercial feed suspected of causing the death of 200 animals was sampled. Livers from 9 dead chinchillas were analyzed for their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics via necropsy and histopathology. Aflatoxins B 1 , B 2 , G 1 , and G 2 were determined, by thin layer chromatography, to be in the feed. Macroscopic inspection of livers revealed general enlargement, paleyellowish coloration, hypertrophy, rounded borders, and increased friability. Size and color were remarkably different from a healthy organ. Histopathologic analyses of hepatic parenchyma showed severe, diffuse cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes. Sudan III staining confirmed the presence of lipid within the vacuoles. The feed was positive for aflatoxin B 1 in quantities that exceeded the recommended levels. Histologic lesions were typical of aflatoxin intake. Monitoring feed for mycotoxins is crucial to prevent outbreaks of toxicosis, to improve management practices, and to diminish exposure risk of animals and humans to these harmful toxins.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.