Current problems associated with the mycotoxicoses include the
recognition of an animal disease as being a mycotoxicosis and
confirmation of diagnosis of the mycotoxicosis by satisfactory
laboratory methods. By gathering a vast amount of scientific literature,
diagnosticians can provide themselves with suitable informa- tion for
making such a diagnosis. However, the increased number of reported
intoxications caused by fungi, the wide range in diversity of disease
conditions and the chemical compounds causing the mycotoxicoses, and the
ever-changing and rapid developments in the technology of mycotoxin
analysis has made the gathering and assimilation of sufficient
information by the diagnostician an insurmountable task. This is the
reason for development of the symposium and the publication of this
book; the first time that the subject of diagnosis of mycotoxicoses has
been assembled in a single publication and as a compilation of topic
papers by experts in this subject area. The UJNR panel on toxic
microorganisms is interested in all aspects of intox- ications by
microorganisms as evidenced by its annual joint meetings in either the
United States or Japan and its involvement in sponsoring numerous
symposia and several publications in this broad scientific area. The
overall mission of the National Animal Disease Center includes research
efforts in the improvement or establishment of diagnostic methods for
animal diseases. The UJNR panel and the NADC provided the funds and
encouragement for the development of a symposium on the diagnosis of
mycotoxicoses in the United States and . Tapan.
