Airborne Aflatoxins and Animals

Are Your Pets or Livestock at Risk? Understanding Airborne Aflatoxins and Animals

Introduction

Mould is not just a concern for homes and people—it also poses a serious threat to animals. When mould spreads in barns, sheds, feed storage areas, or even inside homes, it can release aflatoxins—a dangerous type of airborne mycotoxin.

These toxins can affect livestock and pets through inhalation or ingestion. And because animals can’t communicate symptoms as clearly as humans, problems may go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.

The Mould Group are specialists in identifying airborne toxins like aflatoxins and creating safer environments for both humans and animals. Their work is critical for property owners, farmers, renovators, and pet lovers who want to protect vulnerable lives.

What Are Airborne Aflatoxins and Why Are They Dangerous?

Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by moulds like Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These moulds thrive in warm, humid environments—often found in barns, animal shelters, and cool rooms where ventilation is poor.

When disturbed or left unchecked, these moulds release spores and aflatoxins into the air. Animals can breathe these in or consume contaminated feed, bedding, or surfaces. Unlike chemical toxins, these airborne poisons are invisible but highly potent.

How Can Airborne Aflatoxins Affect Animal Health?

Animals—both domestic and farm—can suffer serious health consequences from aflatoxin exposure. Symptoms include:

• Coughing or wheezing

• Decreased appetite

• Weight loss

• Liver damage

• Fatigue or lethargy

• Suppressed immunity

In poultry and cattle, aflatoxins may reduce growth rates and egg production. In pets like dogs and cats, symptoms often mimic respiratory infections or poisoning.

What Causes Mould and Aflatoxins to Form in Animal Environments?

Several environmental factors promote mould growth and aflatoxin release:

• High humidity in enclosed spaces

• Spoiled or damp feed and bedding

• Water damage in barns or sheds

• Infrequent cleaning or ventilation

• Leaky cool rooms in commercial facilities

• Improper feed storage on farms or in pet food containers

Animal environments that aren’t regularly monitored are especially prone to these conditions.

How Can You Test for Airborne Aflatoxins Around Animals?

Early detection is critical. The following methods are used by professionals to confirm the presence of airborne aflatoxins:

• Air sampling inside barns, pet shelters, and feed storage areas

• Feed testing for fungal contamination

• Surface and bedding testing using spore traps and swabs

• Humidity monitoring to locate mould-prone zones

• Lab analysis of affected areas by The Mould Group

These tests allow homeowners and farmers to act quickly before animals are harmed.

What Are the Best Ways to Remove Airborne Aflatoxins?

If aflatoxins are detected, remediation must be thorough and safe for animals. Here are the key methods:

• Dispose of contaminated feed or bedding immediately

• Clean with HEPA vacuums and anti-fungal solutions

• Improve airflow with exhaust fans or open-air systems

• Use industrial air purifiers in enclosed areas

• Apply safe disinfectants to pens, kennels, and cages

These actions reduce the chance of re-contamination and create safer living conditions.

How Can You Prevent Mycotoxin Contamination for Animals?

Prevention is always better than treatment. These simple habits make a major difference:

• Store animal feed in airtight containers

• Inspect feed and hay regularly for signs of spoilage

• Keep barns and pet areas dry and well-ventilated

• Use moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers

• Clean cool rooms and animal housing areas frequently

Routine inspections after wet seasons or storms help to catch issues early—before mould becomes a threat.

Which Animals Are Most at Risk from Airborne Aflatoxins?

All animals can be affected, but some are more vulnerable:

• Cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry exposed to stale feed or hay

• Dogs and cats living in damp homes or near contaminated HVAC systems

• Exotic pets like birds or rabbits, especially those in closed cages

• Newborn or elderly animals with weaker immune systems

Even outdoor pets can suffer if they’re kept near mouldy sheds or damp feed bins.

Why a Full Inspection Is Better Than Basic Testing

As discussed in Mould Testing vs Full Inspection: What’s the Cost Difference in Brisbane?, not all testing methods catch airborne toxins. A visual check or surface swab may miss spores in ceiling voids, ductwork, or behind walls.

A full inspection with The Mould Group offers:

• Moisture mapping

• Thermal imaging

• Air and dust sampling

• Structural reviews of barns, sheds, and cool rooms

This complete picture ensures nothing is missed—keeping pets and livestock protected.

What’s Next? Learn How Much a Mould Inspection Costs

Curious about pricing before booking a visit? We cover everything in the next article:
How Much Does a Mould Inspection Cost in Brisbane? A Complete Breakdown
This includes residential, commercial, and agricultural inspections, with transparent pricing across all services.

Don’t leave your animals exposed.

Contact The Mould Group today for comprehensive testing and professional mould remediation.

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📝 Next blog in this series:
Climate Change and Airborne Mycotoxins: A Growing Threat