Study highlights urgent need for aflatoxin control strategies in Pakistan’s feed supply chain

Scientists say that there is an urgent need for Aflatoxin control strategies in the Pakistani food supply chain to improve animal health, productivity, food safety and animal products exports.

In the CABI One Health Journal, researchers argue that aflatoxins – toxic metabolites produced by certain fungi – are frequently found in animal feed due to bad storage and handling practices. Their presence, they say, compromises not only the health of animals, but also leads to transfer by milk, meat and contaminated eggs, posing serious risks to public health.

An article of review written by scientists aimed at assessing the impact of Aflatoxin contamination in health food food, productivity and food security, with particular accent on Pakistan, where the cattle industry in 2024 contributed to 60.84% ​​to global agriculture and 14.36% to the gross inner product.

Prevalence of aflatoxins in cattle feeding and their residues in food products

Dr. Abeera Umar, coordinator of the project based in Cabi’s Center in Pakistan and author of the journal, said: “Despite the crucial role of livestock in the economy of Pakistan, this sector remains largely neglected, in particular concerning the quality of animal food.

“This Review Synthesizes Findings from National and International Studies, Highlighting the Prevalence of Aflatoxins in Livestock Feed and Their Residues in Food Products. It also discussions The Regulatory Standards for Aflatoxins, Identifies Major Gaps in Compliance in Pakistan, and Evalues ​​Various Control Strategies—RANGING from pre-harvest interventions and proper storage to the use of mycotoxin binders and regular feed monitoring.

“The results point out that aflatoxin levels in many food samples often exceed eligible limits, resulting in harmful effects on health on livestock and human health.”

Various health risks

The journal stresses that the effects of mycotoxins depends on various factors, including the extent of exposure, which can lead to chronic health implications, including genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive effects.

Expositions prolonged to low -dose Aflatoxins over time can cause stiffness, a decrease in production (egg or milk), carcinogenicity and immunosuppression. It has been reported that prolonged exposure of Aflatoxins would cause liver lesions, manifesting itself as jaundice with swollen gallbladder.

In addition, exposure to Aflatoxin has also caused the birth of smaller and unhealthy calves, acute mastitis, rectal prolapse and hair loss.

Aflatoxins consumed by children in milk can cause growth disorders, waste, immunosuppression and liver deficiencies.

Dr. Umar has added: “In developing countries, like Pakistan, milk is a major source of exposure to Aflatoxin to the public. It is very difficult to check the levels of aflatoxine in milk due to raw milk channeled by informal market channels. To solve the problem, the awareness of farmers on Aflatoxins is essential so that they can work in the mitigation Aflatoxin. “

Scientists emphasize a study conducted in Quetta to determine the prevalence of aflatoxicosis in flesh birds in 2009-2010 on the basis of the examination of sick and dead birds.

The post-mortal post-dead results indicated that 8.78% of birds were positive for aflatoxin, with post-mortem lesions such as congestioned and edematous carcass, yellowish and hemorrhagic brown liver, inflated kidneys as well as the atrophy of the stock market and the thymus. Some 8.78% of birds were positive for aflatoxicosis.

Meanwhile, in 2011, a study was conducted to assess the quality of layer and flesh foods manufactured by 10 different commercial food factories. A study was carried out on 50 supply samples of 50 layers and 50 flesh flesh made by 10 different commercial food factories; 40 samples in total contained the content of aflatoxin above the authorized limits.

Measures that can be taken to limit exposure and consumption of aflatoxins

However, scientists say that there are a range of measures that can be taken to limit exposure and consumption of aflatoxins. For example, the elimination of silage aflatoxins is possible by adding absorbents, which are safe and inexpensive.

They can simply be mixed in animal rations, reducing the bioavailability of Aflatoxins, also reducing toxic metabolites in animal products.

The attenuation of Aflatoxins at the level of the farm by adopting good agricultural practices (GAP) can also play an important role in the attenuation of Aflatoxins in animal feed at the level of the farm, according to scientists.

One of the gaps is the time of the harvest, which is a key factor in the growth of Aflatoxine producer mushrooms, Aspergillus flavus. Increased levels of vitamin A, D, E, K and B bind to toxins and cause less Aflatoxin effects.

Dr. Umar said: “Despite many challenges in the cattle feeding industry, in particular concerning contamination by Aflatoxins in food, there are key opportunities that could facilitate successful and healthy breeding production in Pakistan.

“Although several studies document the presence and impact of Aflatoxins, there is an urgent need for more normalized and widespread data surveillance and data.

Scientists conclude by suggesting that the guarantee of toxin foods will improve livestock productivity, will reduce the risks to public health and improve the export potential of animal derivative products, ultimately supporting national food security and economic growth.