In the month of December 2021, mass morbidity and mortality were reported in poultry birds subsequent to the consumption of specific batches of poultry feed manufactured by Karma Feeds. Immediate action was undertaken to investigate the cause of the mass morbidity and mortality. Postmortem examinations of the affected birds and screening of major poultry viral diseases were carried out. The post mortem examinations revealed gross pathology of visceral organs indicative of signs of acute toxicity. The rapid test on tissues, swabs and excreta of the dead birds did not reveal the causes of major viral pathogens.
Further laboratory analysis was carried out on the suspected feed samples to aid the investigation in order to ascertain the cause. A total of seventy-five (75) feed samples from suspected batches of Karma Feeds were referred to different laboratories, both inside and outside the country. The feed samples were tested for mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, fungicides, microbial and nutrient contents.
The findings of the laboratory tests are:
- Mycotoxins: Out of 42 samples, 21 samples were found positive for mycotoxins. However, only 7 samples were above the permissible limit. Of the requested mycotoxins for testing, only Aflatoxins, Fumonisin and Ochratoxins could be tested. This was carried out by laboratories in India and Thailand.
- Heavy Metals: Out of 43 samples tested, all samples contained either one or more heavy metals but below maximum tolerable limits except for Chromium in one sample. Samples were tested for heavy metals in laboratories in Bhutan, India and Thailand.
- Pesticides and fungicides: Out of eight samples tested in Bhutan and India, pesticides and fungicides were not detected in any of the samples.
- Microbial content: 21 samples tested in laboratories in India and Thailand did not detect major bacterial pathogens.
- Nutrient content: 10 samples were tested for nutrient content in the country and all samples met the prescribed minimum nutrient requirement standards.
The post mortem examination of dead birds revealed signs of acute toxicity indicative of contamination in feed. However, based on the laboratory findings of feed samples, it cannot be ascertained conclusively as to what in the feed caused the morbidity and mortality in birds considering only a small number of feed samples tested positive for mycotoxins and metals above permissible levels.
-DoL
