A global survey by dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health has found that 85 percent of feed samples tested contained more than one mycotoxin, confirming that mycotoxin co-contamination remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges.
The H1 2026 World Mycotoxin Survey drew on 10,410 samples from 78 countries and 59,180 individual analyses conducted between January and June 2026. Fumonisins (FUM), B-Trichothecenes (B-Trichos) and Zearalenone (ZEN) were the most prevalent mycotoxins globally.
East Asia and Southern Asia recorded the highest overall risk levels, at 97 percent and 92 percent respectively.
Regional trends
Comparisons with the same period in 2025 show significant regional changes:
- Europe: Fumonisins rose from 42 percent to 56 percent; B-Trichothecenes from 71 percent to 79 percent
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Zearalenone rose from 60 percent to 78 percent; fumonisins from 62 percent to 74 percent;
- Asia: Ochratoxin A rose from 37 percent to 51 percent
- Central and South America: Aflatoxin prevalence increased from 33 percent to 44 percent
- North America: Prevalence remained broadly stable
Industry implications
When ingested, mycotoxins can impair reproduction, cause digestive disorders and reduce performance. Even relatively low concentrations of multiple mycotoxins can lead to measurable losses, as they can interact with one another inside the animal.
“Mycotoxin exposure can vary considerably between regions and individual feed materials,” said Ursula Hofstetter, Head of Mycotoxin Risk Management at dsm-firmenich. “Co-contamination is particularly concerning because mycotoxins can interact with one another inside the animal. The combined effects are often greater than the impact of a single mycotoxin alone.”
The report reinforces the importance of regular testing, good storage practices, careful ingredient sourcing and proactive risk management.
