(Today is International Animal Rights Day. In South Africa, these poor darlings have basically no rights, and should rights be enforced, their rights are chosen according to alternative concepts. A topic for another (gloomy) day.

Aflatoxin. The Invisible Assassin.

Why Moldy Hay or Corn Can Be Deadly For Rabbits.
What is aflatoxin?

Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds, especially Aspergillus that grow on damp corn, grains, and hay. They’re invisible, tasteless, and incredibly dangerous.
Why rabbits are so vulnerable:

* Rabbits lack the detox systems that larger animals have.

* Even tiny amounts of aflatoxin can cause liver damage, immune suppression, or sudden death.

* Inhaling spores from moldy hay can trigger respiratory infections or allergic reactions.

Moldy corn is a double threat:

Corn is a common carrier of Aspergillus mold. Aflatoxins can survive processing, so even “clean looking” feed can be contaminated. Anoter reason to fully avoid corn.

Hay isn’t safe if it was baled damp:

Mold can grow deep inside bales, especially if they were baled before fully drying.

I you received a very green bale, know that it was not dried properly as green means moisture. Then, if possible, open the bale’s blades and put in the sun and wind to dry out more (not if there is RHDV in the region).

Bales that start to mould often feel warmer. So, look out for that.

A musty smell or white/green/ black fuzz is a red flag, but mold can be present even without visible signs. Remember that sometimes hay can have brown or blackish streaks from environmental factors, do not get confused. These spots or streaks will not come off if you wipe or rub it, but mold will wipe off or lighten (use a tool, glove etc, do not check with bare hands)

Also remember that your hay need to be able to breathe. Putting it in a container is good, but there needs to be some ventilation holes, if there is any dampness. Damp, green hay does not always have more nutrients. Also, damp hay often carry hay itch mites and little moths/ moth eggs (at least this shows that no pesticides was used).

Yellow hay not always without nutrients, but whitish or very pale hay should be considered as straw and other foods should be given for nutrients. Straw is very good as bedding and for teeth!

How damaging is Aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are so potent that just 50 parts per billion can harm a rabbit’s liver, and even yours, making you feel nauseous, weak, and aometimes feverish. That’s like a single drop in a backyard pool, too small to see, but powerful enough to kill.

If mould spores grow in the lungs, it can lead to coughing (yes rabbits can cough) and upper respiratory infections that can end in pneumonia and death.
Acute Aflatoxicosis (Short-Term Exposure)
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
• Liver & Jaundice: Severe liver damage, yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice).
• Neurological: Lethargy, convulsions, cerebral edema (fluid in brain).
• Bleeding: Blood abnormalities, increased risk of bleeding.
• Other: Edema (swelling), pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs).
• Severe Cases: Coma, death.
Chronic Aflatoxicosis (Long-Term Exposure)
• Liver: Liver cirrhosis, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
• Immune System: Immune suppression.
• Growth: Growth retardation