Incidence of ochratoxicosis in poultry in Egypt

In an intensive poultry farm, Monofia Governorate, severe outbreaks occurred in the flock. Blood samples were taken from 50 severely affected as well as from 50 apparently healthy chicks to study the biochemical alterations in serum of birds. Moreover, five diet samples consumed by the chicks were obtained for detection of rancidity or mouldness. Samples of kidneys, liver, gizzards, parts of the muscles and intestines were examined for detection of mould residues. Results obtained indicated high contamination of the diets with ochratoxin A, which resulted in severe alteration of blood constituents and high residues in the internal organs, which led to high mortalities and severe economic losses in the flock