85% of feed samples contain multiple mycotoxins, global dsm-firmenich survey finds. Global survey of over 10,400 samples finds the majority contained multiple mycotoxins, confirming co-contamination remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges.

The report draws on 10,410 samples from 78 countries and 59,180 individual analyses conducted between January and June 2026. East Asia and Southern Asia recorded the highest overall risk levels, at 97% and 92%, respectively.

The findings reinforce the importance of mycotoxin analysis as part of effective risk management. When ingested, mycotoxins can negatively affect animals, causing impaired reproduction, digestive disorders, carcinogenicity and reduced performance. Even relatively low concentrations of several mycotoxins can lead to measurable losses in animal health and performance, which is why monitoring the complete mycotoxin profile is essential rather than focusing on individual toxins. Testing raw ingredients and finished feed helps producers assess the risk of contamination in advance and take precautions to protect animal health and productivity.

Comparisons with the same period in 2025 show that prevalence changed considerably across several regions:

• In Europe, the proportion of samples containing fumonisins rose from 42% to 56%, while B-Trichothecenes increased from 71% to 79%.
• Sub-Saharan Africa also recorded notable increases, with Zearalenone rising from 60% to 78% and fumonisins from 62% to 74%.
• In Asia, Ochratoxin A prevalence rose from 37% to 51%, while B-Trichothecenes fell from 49% to 36%.
• Aflatoxin prevalence in Central and South America increased from 33% to 44%.
• In North America, prevalence remained broadly stable across several major mycotoxins, although there was a slight increase in the prevalence of B-Trichothecenes, from 81% to 82%.

Several regions recorded exceptionally high maximum concentrations, highlighting the importance of recognizing local contamination hotspots alongside broader global trends.

Ursula Hofstetter, Head of Mycotoxin Risk Management at dsm-firmenich stated:

“While mycotoxin contamination cannot always be completely prevented, the risk can be substantially reduced through proactive management across the feed supply chain. Regular testing, good storage practices, careful ingredient sourcing and proactive risk management can significantly reduce exposure and help protect animal health and productivity.”

The survey also includes further details on:

• Changes in mycotoxin prevalence between January–June 2025 and January–June 2026
• Prevalence and concentration levels for major mycotoxins across each region
• Regional and subregional mycotoxin risk levels
• The level of risk posed to different animal species
• Spectrum 380®, an advanced mycotoxin analysis method used as a research tool and conducted at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna
• The occurrence of frequently detected mycotoxins, including masked and modified forms and emerging mycotoxins, based on results from the Spectrum Top®50 multi-mycotoxin method

About the Survey 

Since 2004, dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health has analysed thousands of global feed samples annually to understand and monitor contamination levels of the different mycotoxins in a variety of feed ingredients. This information is shared in the quarterly dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey, which accurately identifies mycotoxin risks based on animal species and location.

Effective mycotoxin risk management should include frequent testing along with a multi-strategy mitigation approach.