Fusariotoxins such as DON, ZEN, and fumonisins remain a structural problem for the animal feed industry worldwide. New figures for 2025 show that both Latin America and Europe are facing high contamination rates in maize, while climate change and international trade further increase the risk. In Europe, the problem is increasingly shifting from acute contamination to long-term exposure to low concentrations via feed.
This is evident from an analysis of mycotoxin data by the French company Olmix, published on the international platform Feed Additive Magazine. The analysis is based on measurement data from various European and Latin American countries for 2025.
Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by fungi such as Fusarium, Aspergillus en PenicilliumThey can contaminate grains and other raw materials throughout the entire chain. In particular, the fusariotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and fumonisins (FUM) are frequently found in maize for animal feed.
According to the researchers, the substances can lead to lower animal performance, reduced immunity, fertility problems, and increased susceptibility to disease. Moreover, climate change, fluctuating precipitation, and extreme weather conditions cause fungi to spread more easily.
Latin America hotspot for infection
In Latin America, 83 percent of the examined samples contained at least one mycotoxin. Fumonisins were particularly prevalent, with a contamination rate of 69 percent. In addition, DON and ZEN were frequently detected. Notably, multiple toxins are often present simultaneously, which increases the health risk for animals.
Brazil, one of the world's largest corn producers and exporters, shows a high proportion of fumonisins. Argentina also scores high, while very high concentrations of fumonisins have been measured in Colombia and Peru. According to the researchers, tropical conditions and problems with storage and logistics play a significant role in this.
Although the presence of aflatoxins has decreased in recent years, this contamination remains a concern in parts of Latin America.
Europe sees risks increasing
Europe generally has lower concentrations of mycotoxins, but their spread remains high. DON was found in 88 percent of the samples examined, followed by ZEN with 79 percent.
In France, the high presence of DON is associated with humid conditions during maize flowering. Spain, on the other hand, is seeing a shift due to climate change: in addition to the traditional risk of aflatoxins, pressure from fusarium toxins is also increasing, particularly in irrigated cultivation systems.
According to the analysis, the problem in Europe is increasingly shifting from acute infections to long-term exposure to low concentrations via animal feed.
More focus on prevention
The researchers emphasize that mycotoxins have now become an integral part of modern food systems. Moreover, due to large export flows from Latin America, the risk is spreading worldwide.
For animal feed producers, the challenge therefore lies not only in detection, but primarily in interpreting data and taking preventive measures. According to Olmix, a proactive approach is necessary to limit the consequences for animal health, performance, and food safety.
