Effect of aflatoxin B 1 on resistance in poultry against cecal coccidiosis and Marek's disease
Edds, G.T.; Nair, K.P.; Simpson, C.F.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 34(6): 819-826
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 4707567 Document Number: 57733
As aflatoxin B1 has been found in hazardous concentrations in certain Florida commercial feeds, it was investigated whether aflatoxin B1 added at the concentration of 0.2 ppm to a commercial feed given to chicks would interfere with the efficacy of a commercial coccidiostat or Marek's disease (MD) vacine or both. Results indicated that previous exposure to aflatoxin B1 increased susceptibility and mortality from caecal coccidiosis but did not interfere with the protection afforded by the coccidiostat. Likewise, chickens vaccinated aginst MD and fed aflatoxin B1 seemed more resistant against challenge exposure with MD virus than did non-vaccinated control chicks. Vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups of chicks given aflatoxin B1 and subsequently exposed to caecal coccidiosis were more susceptible to challenge inoculation with MD virus than were similar groups of chicks not given aflatoxin, this conclusion was made on the basis of the severity of lesions observed.