Unseasonal Rains and Aflatoxicosis Outbreak: A Wake-Up Call for Indian Poultry Industry
Introduction
In recent years, climate anomalies have disrupted agricultural and livestock systems worldwide. One such concerning consequence was observed in Maharashtra, India, where unseasonal rainfall triggered an outbreak of aflatoxicosis in poultry farms. This event is a sobering reminder of the tight interplay between environmental changes and livestock health, especially in a country like India where poultry farming is both a livelihood and a crucial source of protein.
What is Aflatoxicosis?
Aflatoxicosis is a toxic condition in animals caused by ingestion of aflatoxins, naturally occurring mycotoxins produced primarily by two fungal species: Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These fungi thrive in warm, humid environments and commonly contaminate grains like maize, groundnut, and other feed ingredients—especially under poor storage or harvesting conditions.
Table 1 Key Numerical Data Related to Aflatoxicosis in India
| Year | Location | Species Affected | Commodity Involved | Aflatoxin Level (µg/kg or ppb) | Impact/Remarks |
| 1974 | Rajasthan & Gujarat (Banswada, Panchmahals) | Humans | Maize | 2000–6000 µg/kg | 106 deaths from toxic hepatitis in tribal population |
| 1974 | Karnataka (South Canara) | Children | General diet | Not specified | Correlation with hepatomegaly |
| 1982 | Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh | Chicks | Groundnut cake | 3590 µg/kg | Heavy mortality in poultry |
| 1985 | Warangal, Andhra Pradesh | Laying hens | Feed with groundnut cake | 600 µg/kg | Egg production dropped from 85% to 40%, reversed after feed change |
| 1994 | Ranga Reddy, Andhra Pradesh | Broiler chickens | Groundnut cake | Not specified | >200,000 broilers died |
| 1966 | Mysore, Karnataka | Chicks | Groundnut cake | Not specified | 2219 chicks died in one week at a government farm |
| 1973 | Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh | Murrah buffaloes | Buffalo milk | 0.1–4.8 µg/liter (milk) | Liver damage, hemorrhage observed |
| 2013 | Maharashtra | Broiler chickens | Maize (contaminated after unseasonal rain) | Up to 640 µg/kg | Acute aflatoxicosis outbreak following unseasonal rains |
| Various | India (general, BIS standard) | Poultry (immature) | Feed & feed ingredients | Limit: 20 µg/kg | Maximum permissible aflatoxin level for poultry feed in India |
The Maharashtra Outbreak: What Happened?
In 2013-14, unseasonal rainfall in December—an unusual time for heavy precipitation in Maharashtra—created favorable conditions for fungal growth in stored poultry feed, particularly maize. Several farms in the region began reporting high mortality in broilers, along with symptoms such as:
- Poor growth
- Dullness
- Ruffled feathers
- Loss of appetite
- Hemorrhages in the liver and other internal organs
Post-mortem and feed analysis confirmed the diagnosis: aflatoxicosis, with aflatoxin B₁ levels detected as high as 640 parts per billion (ppb)—well above the tolerable limit of 20 ppb.
Why Was This Outbreak Severe?
- Weather anomaly: Unseasonal rains caused damp conditions that allowed rapid fungal growth in improperly stored feed.
- Delayed awareness: Many farmers did not recognize the feed as the source of the problem, continuing to use contaminated batches.
- Inadequate storage: Improper storage infrastructure in many poultry farms made it difficult to keep feed dry and safe.
Lessons for the Poultry Sector
This outbreak underscores several crucial lessons for Indian poultry stakeholders:
- Proactive Feed Management
- Always inspect feed ingredients, especially maize, for mold contamination.
- Avoid using visibly moldy or discolored grains.
- Rotate feed stock frequently to avoid long-term storage.
- Weather-Linked Surveillance
- Monitor environmental patterns and forecast alerts. Sudden rain during typically dry months should trigger preventive measures.
- During high-risk months, use mycotoxin binders in feed as a routine precaution.
- Storage Infrastructure
- Invest in waterproof, well-ventilated storage areas.
- Use raised platforms and moisture barriers to reduce contact with damp floors.
- Dry feed ingredients thoroughly before storage.
- Training and Awareness
- Train farm workers and veterinarians to recognize early signs of mycotoxicosis.
- Encourage regular feed testing, especially after unusual weather.
Conclusion
As climate unpredictability becomes more frequent, the Indian poultry industry must evolve to withstand these shocks. The aflatoxicosis outbreak in Maharashtra was a stark reminder that feed safety is directly linked to flock health. By integrating weather-aware management, robust storage systems, and rapid response protocols, we can build resilience against such feed-borne threats. Currently we are facing untimely rain pre monsoon so it is high time for us to be aware and take appropriate steps.
References
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[Link to PDF article used] - Krishnamachari, K.A.V.R., et al. (1975). Hepatitis due to aflatoxicosis – An outbreak in western India. The Lancet, 1, 1061–1063.
- ICRISAT (2002). Aflatoxin – A Deadly Hazard. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics.
- Choudary, C., & Rao, M.R.K.M. (1982). An outbreak of aflatoxicosis in commercial poultry farms. Poultry Adviser, 16, 75–76.
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- Gopal, T., et al. (1969). Aflatoxicosis in fowls. Indian Veterinary Journal, 46, 348–349.
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- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (2004). Worldwide regulations for mycotoxins in food and feed in 2003. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper, 81.
- USFDA (1994). Action levels for aflatoxins in animal feeds. Center for Veterinary Medicine, Compliance Policy Guide, Sec. 683:100.
