Identification and enumeration of Fusarium species in poultry feed mixtures from Slovakia.

Thirty-three samples of poultry mixed feeds collected in the region of Nitra (Slovakia) from August 2001-April 2002 were assayed for the incidence of Fusarium Link: Fr. species. In tested samples, the total frequency of isolated fusaria was determined to be 48 % (16 samples) and their counts ranged from 0.2 x 10(2) to 2.4 x 10( 4 ) CFU per g of the sample on Dichloran Chloramphenicol Peptone Agar (DCPA). Of the total amount of Fusarium isolates (609), the highest part (i.e. 584 isolates) was represented by Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg, being isolated in all the samples tested. Fusarium subglutinans (Wollenw. et Reinking) Nelson, Tousson et Marasas (in total 24 isolates) was found in 3 positive samples (9%) and Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. Fr. (a single isolate) was found in one positive sample only (3%). Data of these significant mycotoxin producers found in examined samples with particular mycotoxins as well as their habitats were summarised briefly. The results refer to a large incidence of the potentially toxinogenic Fusarium species, mainly F. proliferatum, in the feeds of Slovakian origin which represent entry components of the food chain. The study also points out a potential risk of feed contamination with hazardous toxic compounds, especially by carcinogenic fumonisins and cardiotoxic moniliformin. From the hygienic point of view, it will be necessary to continue monitoring and evaluating this occurrence.