Occurrence of Aflatoxicosis in a dairy herd of East Azerbaijan

Aflatoxicosis is a syndrome occurring in result of ingestion of aflatoxin. This toxin is produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxicosis is an important toxicity that can impose economic losses to producers. In January of 2013, in the one of the east Azerbaijan dairy farms, housing 2165 cattle, symptoms of diarrhea, braxism, lethargy, anorexia, tenesmus, watery diarrhea with blood clots in some cases, and finally, palsy and no response to treatment had seen in 12 cattle. For diagnosis, the disease history was obtained and clinical examination was done. Furthermore, the autopsy of slaghterd cattle was done and specimens were obtained for serologic, toxicological and hematological examination. At necropsy, Hepatomegaly and liver paleness, intestinal congestion, Petechial Hemorrhage of the abomasum, and gastrointestinal bloody content were seen. Additionally, elevation of liver enzymes and bilirubin levels and decreasment in blood proteins was seen. Aflatoxin B1 was explored in Apple cheese, the content of Rumen, abomasum and intestine. In conclusion, autopsy, toxicological findings and a blood chemical analysis confirmed the aflatoxin B1 toxicity.