Abstract
Aim:Aflatoxicosis is a widespread problem in captive animals fed on stored food and has been reported in various animals both domestic and wild. This report documents the clinicopathologic, microbial diagnostic findings and therapeutic regime for a study on the presentation, management, and outcome of aflatoxicosis in greater cane rats.Materials and Methods:A total of 65 greater cane rats suspected to be exposed to the toxin were examined clinically along with their environment. Feed samples, recently deceased carcasses and some moribund carcasses were collected for the study. Carcasses were subjected to gross and histopathologic investigations while feed and organs were subjected to microbiological investigations.Results:Gross lesions included hepatic lipidosis with ecchymotic hemorrhages, distended gallbladder, and renomegaly with ecchymosis among others. Histopathology revealed loss of hepatocellular architecture with massive centrilobular hepatocyte necrosis and diffuse steatotic damage characterized by macrovacuoles. Other histologic findings included pulmonary congestion, moderate renal tubular degeneration, and necrosis of epithelial tubular cells. Aspergillus flavus was isolated from the feed and ingesta. Total aflatoxin detected in feed sample was found to be over 400 ppm. Klebsiella species, Staphylococcus species, and Bacillus species were isolated from the liver and intestinal content. Management was attempted using Fungizal® (Avico, Jordan) (which contains Thymol, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, and kaolin) and Orego-Stim® (Saife, USA) (which contains carvacrol and thymol) which were instituted in feed and Superliv® (Ayurvet, India) (polyherbal) liquid was instituted in water for 5 days at manufacturers’ dosage. All clinical signs disappeared, and no more deaths were recorded following management.Conclusion:This report concludes that aflatoxicosis causes severe mortality in greater cane rats and can be prevented and managed successfully.
Highlights
The greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) is a wild animal recently domesticated in the past 40 years for meat production in several SubSaharan African countries [1]
Management was attempted using Fungizal® (Avico, Jordan) and Orego-Stim® (Saife, USA) which were instituted in feed and Superliv® (Ayurvet, India) liquid was instituted in water for 5 days at manufacturers’ dosage
Management was attempted using Fungizal® (Avico, Jordan) and Orego-Stim® (Saife, USA) were instituted in feed, and Superliv® (Ayurvet, India) liquid was instituted in water for 5 days at manufacturers’ dosage which is 2 kg per ton of feed, 1 kg per ton of feed, and 1 ml per liter of water, respectively
Summary
The greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) is a wild animal recently domesticated in the past 40 years for meat production in several SubSaharan African countries [1]. It is a member of one of two species of cane rats, a small family of African hystricognath rodents [2]. Aflatoxins are a group of closely related and extremely toxic mycotoxins. They are produced primarily by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus and can occur as natural contaminants of foods and feeds [5]. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http:// creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
