Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi. Mycotoxins in feed are considered the second most serious issue in the poultry industry, following increased feed prices. There are different types of mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisin, trichothecenes, zearalenone, patulin, but the most important are aflatoxins and ochratoxins. Ochratoxin is known as a nephrotoxin as it damages kidney tissues predominantly, whereas aflatoxin has more adverse effects upon the liver. Diagnosis and determination of toxins can be done in tissues and feed samples by using different techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin layer liquid chromatography (TLC), and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). Treatment of mycotoxicosis can be done by decontamination or detoxification of feed by using mycotoxin binders, plant preparations (nutraceuticals) and vitamins. Mycotoxicosis can be controlled by using transgenic crops and improving harvesting management, storing feed in good environmental conditions and fresh feed for the birds. Hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) should be referred to for the control of mycotoxins in the food chain.

Since the recognition of mycotoxicosis about 30 years ago, various research projects have been undertaken to develop measures to prevent or reduce the serious financial losses it causes. Although inhibitors which prevent mould growth and the production of toxic substances have been developed, several factors still limit their effectiveness and practical use by the feed industry. Various kinds of sorbent materials have also been assessed for their ability to remove or diminish the adverse effects of mycotoxins in animal feeds. Even though it does not bind all the mycotoxin and allows partial absorption of toxin in the gastrointestinal tract, hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) is considered to be an outstandingly effective additive. Several new possibilities have emerged involving the use of the sulphur-containing amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, trace mineral and other nutrients in building detoxicants. Research into methods of preventing mycotoxicosis in poultry needs to be carried out against the background of the underlying levels of mycotoxins found under the normal storage conditions for feed used in the industry.