The Dangers of Working with Mycotoxin-Contaminated Feed

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The hazards to feeding livestock mycotoxin-contaminated feed seem to be on everyone’s radar, with some very recent issues of ergot poisoning occurring across the prairies. But perhaps some of the lesser communicated risks are those that endanger the health of the very people who work with these feeds.

Related: The Feed Industry’s Challenge with Mycotoxins
Ergot Poisoning Symptoms and Prevention in Cattle

In order to learn more about mycotoxins and preventing deleterious affects to our own health, we spoke with David Miller, professor and NSERC/Paracel Laboratories Ltd. Industrial Research Chair in Allergens and Toxins in the Built Environment at Carleton University. Miller has extensive knowledge of the impact of contaminants such as moulds, endotoxins and mites on human health, and in this video — filmed at Emerging Issues with Ergot and Fusarium Symposium — we focus on ergot and fusarium, both with the potential for extensive health ramifications.

Miller explains how to prevent inhalation of the mycotoxins, and that it just might be important to wash your hands before answering Mother Nature’s beckon.

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