Micotossine e micotossicosi nell’equino : effetti tossici dei tricoteceni

Thricothecenes are mycotoxins produced by moulds of Fusarium. Instead of other animal species, information related to the effects of these mycotoxins in Equine are scarce and inconsistent. The aim of the present article is to give information on their toxicity in this species. Raw materials in animal feed like corn, wheat, rye, barley and oats can be contaminated by Thricothecenes, especially with Deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 Toxin (T-2). DON exposure is responsible of anorexia, immunosuppression, lethargy and ataxia, while T-2 may cause typical oral lesions. Finally many questions are still open on a possible relationship on mycotoxins and colic in horses.