Climate change and mycotoxin contamination in animal feed – Dr Rui A Gonçalves

nutriNews International sat down with Dr. Rui Gonçalves as part of our nutriNews On Air segment to expand on the ideas from his article published in our September issue: “Climate change and mycotoxin contamination in animal feed: The growing threat.”

In this interview, we explore how climate change is reshaping global agriculture, altering crop distribution, and increasing the risk of mycotoxin contamination in essential feed ingredients such as maize, soybeans, wheat, and barley. Dr. Gonçalves connects the historical evolution of agriculture with today’s rapidly changing climatic realities, showing how climate continues to shape what we grow—and how safe it is for animals.

What we cover in this episode

• How climate change is shifting global agricultural suitability
• Why modern feed production depends on a narrow group of crops
• Rising vulnerability in maize and soybean supply chains
• The impact of temperature and humidity on fungal growth
• Increasing risks from Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium
• Consequences for feed safety, animal health, and global food security
• Why Southeast Asia faces structural import dependence
• Emerging potential “winners” such as Russia and Canada
• Key strategies to strengthen resilience against mycotoxin challenges

Why this matters

Mycotoxins are one of the most significant and persistent threats to animal nutrition. With climate change intensifying the risk landscape, the feed industry must rethink sourcing, storage, and mitigation strategies.