Fumonisin toxicosis shows species-specific signs. Which pairing correctly matches the species with its typical syndrome?

• A. Horses: equine leukoencephalomalacia; Swine: acute respiratory syndrome; Ruminants: GI signs; Poultry: GI/skeletal
• B. Horses: hepatic failure; Swine: GI signs; Ruminants: respiratory signs; Poultry: neurological signs
• C. Horses: equine leukoencephalomalacia; Swine: acute respiratory syndrome; Ruminants: GI signs; Poultry: GI/skeletal
• D. Horses: GI signs; Swine: respiratory signs; Ruminants: hepatic signs; Poultry: neuro signs

Answer: (C)

Fumonisin toxicosis shows species-specific signs because fumonisins disrupt sphingolipid metabolism, leading to different tissue targets in different animals. In horses, the hallmark is equine leukoencephalomalacia, a neurologic syndrome from white matter brain lesions. In pigs, exposure commonly causes respiratory distress from pulmonary edema, described as acute respiratory syndrome. In ruminants, the toxin tends to affect the liver and gastrointestinal tract, producing GI signs and hepatic involvement. In poultry, the effects are typically seen in the GI tract and skeletal system, reflecting growth and bone development disturbances.

The pairing that matches these well-established patterns is: horses with equine leukoencephalomalacia; swine with acute respiratory syndrome; ruminants with GI signs; poultry with GI/skeletal signs. This alignment reflects the familiar, documented species-specific toxicoses for fumonisins.