Mycotoxins in animal feeds and toxic fungi in Queensland 1971-80.

During the years 1971 to 1980, 355 samples of animal feeds submitted to this laboratory in connection with suspected mycotoxicoses were analysed for aflatoxins. Most major Queensland agricultural crops were represented. Aflatoxins were detected in 67 samples, 45 of which were peanut meals and by-products (55% of all peanut materials analysed). Of 200 Aspergillus flavus isolates cultured on maize meal, aflatoxins were produced by 49%. Ochratoxin A was detected in one sample of another 25 feeds analysed for the compound. Ochratoxin A was produced by 28% of 47 A. ochraceus isolates, and two Fusarium equiseti isolates produced zearalenone. The present situation with regard to mycotoxins and mycotoxicosis in Queensland is briefly reviewed.