The first proven case of aflatoxin poisoning of dogs in Serbia

What is it about?

This paper investigates the case of aflatoxin contamination in dog food, highlighting the significant health risks posed to dogs due to inadequate regulations and oversight in the pet food industry. Aflatoxins can lead to severe health issues (aflatoxicosis) primarily affecting the liver. The average concentration of aflatoxins in contaminated dog food was 150 µg/kg, which is sufficient to induce clinical symptoms and has been linked to the deaths of 19 mixed-breed dogs across three shelters in Serbia, with over 50 dogs affected. The health effects observed align with symptoms of aflatoxicosis documented in the literature. Affected animals exhibited sudden jaundice, followed by a progression of symptoms including loss of appetite, polydipsia, apathy and depression. Abdominal swelling developed, leading to bloody diarrhea and ultimately death. Biochemical assessments revealed increased liver enzyme activity, hyperbilirubinemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Postmortem examinations highlighted severe bleeding, icterus, and ascites as prominent findings, with microscopic analyses showing liver fibrosis and necrotic areas. This study emphasizes the urgent need for specific regulations and oversight in the pet food industry to mitigate the risk of mycotoxin exposure, particularly for dogs in vulnerable living conditions. It calls for enhanced safety standards and increased awareness of mycotoxin risks, recognizing the deep emotional bond between pets and their owners.

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