Using roquefortine C as a biomarker for penitrem A intoxication in a beef herd

Fifteen grazing beef cattle and calves presented a history of neurological signs like ataxia, intentional head tremors, muscle twitching. Nervous ketosis, nervous BVD, BHV-1,5, tremorgenic intoxication from hay, and Listeriosis were considered as differential diagnosis. Blood samples were collected. Inspection of hay bales showed large white dusty and moldy areas. Samples were taken and analyzed. Altered hay was immediately removed in all animals’ stock. No alterations were found in blood tests. Food analysis showed high concentrations of Roquefortine C (RC) (345 μg/kg DM). Tremorgenic syndrome has been reported in Penitrem A (PA) intoxication, but PA is difficult to isolate in laboratory conditions. Both RC and PA are produced by Penicillum spp. RC has been associated with PA in tremorgenic toxicosis in dogs and it might be considered a valuable diagnostic marker for PA intoxication. The neurological signs were due to tremorgenic intoxication after feeding of spoiled forage contaminated with mycotoxines.