Kartal Kimya, a leader in feed additive sector, presented its critical Türkiye mycotoxin map for the first quarter of 2026. While co-contamination was detected in 70% of the samples, the Aegean (74%) and Marmara (68%) regions stood out as the highest-risk areas. The company’s holistic proactive approach offers producers a powerful decision support model by preventing performance losses that remain hidden in the field.

Mycotoxins are feed- and raw material-derived risk factors that directly affect production performance, often difficult to notice in the field, yet carrying significant impacts. However, this risk is not limited merely to the presence of a specific toxin. The co-occurrence and interaction of different mycotoxins is the fundamental element determining the true magnitude of the risk.

MYCOTRACE®, beyond being a system that merely analyzes mycotoxin risk; offers a holistic approach that interprets, gives meaning to data, and integrates it into decision-making processes. Data obtained within this scope is not presented merely as numerical results; it is technically evaluated and transformed into a farm-specific, actionable risk management model.

1. 2026 Q1 EVALUATION FROM A(FLA) TO Z(EN)

The results of the first quarter of 2026 prove that the mycotoxin risk has not disappeared; on the contrary, it has assumed a more complex and multi-layered structure. During this period, toxins originating from Fusarium constitute the foundation of the risk.

1.1. 2026 Q1 Türkiye Toxin Profile

Data obtained in the 1st quarter of 2026 show that the mycotoxin profile is concentrated around specific toxins.

Figure 1: Türkiye Toxin Profile

Fumonisin (FUM): Stands out by far as the most dominant mycotoxin with a prevalence of 63%. This situation points to chronic contamination risk, particularly in corn and corn-derived raw materials.

Deoxynivalenol (DON): Ranks second with a prevalence of 34%. Due to its pressure on intestinal epithelial integrity and feed intake, it leads to performance losses that often go unnoticed in the field.

Zearalenone (ZEN): Draws attention with a prevalence of 28%. Due to its estrogenic effect, it poses a high risk particularly in terms of reproductive performance.

T2 Toxin: Follows a stable course at the level of 20%. Highly corrosive on its own, T2 toxin further increases the total toxic effect when found together with other toxins.

Aflatoxin (AFLA) and Ochratoxin A (OTA): Detected at rates of 11% and 5%, respectively. Although their prevalence appears low, they must be monitored carefully due to the hepatotoxic effects of AFLA and the nephrotoxic effects of OTA.

When these analyses are evaluated by animal species;

• In ruminants, negative impacts of DON and FUM on rumen function, liver load, and milk yield come to the fore, particularly along with ZEN-induced fertility suppression.
• In poultry, multiple Fusarium toxin combinations impair intestinal integrity, lowering feed utilization; at the same time, due to immune system suppression, they cause weakened vaccine responses and fluctuations in flock performance.
  
• In aquatic species, particularly FUM and DON combinations can cause serious economic losses in growth performance, feed conversion ratio, and liver health.
  

1.2. Türkiye Risk Map and Regional Evaluation

Mycotoxin contamination does not display a homogeneous distribution across Türkiye; it concentrates dangerously in specific regions depending on climatic and agricultural conditions. The Türkiye Mycotoxin Risk Map we published in the first quarter of 2026 reveals that the epicenter of the danger has clearly shifted to the western line.

Map 1: Toxin Risk Map

ANATOMY OF REGIONAL RISKS

According to our analysis results, the western regions of Türkiye stand out as the most vulnerable areas under mycotoxin pressure:

Focal Point of Risk: In the analyzed samples, the Aegean region was recorded as the highest-risk region of the period with a prevalence rate of 74%, and the Marmara region with 68%. The coastal climate and humid air waves in these regions create a “golden opportunity” particularly for the development of Fusarium species.

Central and Southern Lines Relatively Calm: Contrary to the high pressure in the west; mycotoxin prevalence follows quite low levels in Central Anatolia (9%), Anatolia (8%), and the Mediterranean (2%) regions.

Black Sea Data: In analyses conducted during this period, no significant findings posing a risk were encountered in the Black Sea region.

1.3. The Reality of Co-Contamination: 1+1+1>3

First quarter data of 2026 clearly demonstrate that mycotoxin risk cannot be explained solely by the presence of a single toxin. On the contrary, the real risk in the field is shaped through combinations formed by multiple toxins together.

Chart 1: Co-Contamination Rates

According to the obtained results, at least 2 toxins were detected together in 70% of the samples;

• The co-occurrence of 2 or 3 toxins in 40% of the samples defines the main character of the field. This group is the most insidious performance thief, as it generally does not present “acute” symptoms.
• The co-occurrence of 4-5 toxins in 25% of the samples, and 6 or more toxins in 5%, shows how multi-layered the risk has become.
  

This situation causes toxins at low levels to combine and inflict higher biological damage than expected through additive or synergistic effects.

PROACTIVE MANAGEMENT WITH MYCOTRACE®

For a successful mycotoxin management in the complex risk picture of 2026, evaluation of the following strategic approaches is recommended:

Data-Driven Procurement Management: Reviewing raw material procurement strategies according to the current risk status through regular examination of regional risk maps is recommended.

Combined Risk-Oriented Protection Strategies: Analysis results must be interpreted considering not only legal limits, but also the synergistic effects created by co-contamination. Against Fusarium-derived toxin combinations in particular; planning appropriate protection products and strategies by considering protective efficacy not only on toxin-binding capacity, but also on intestinal integrity, immune system, and metabolic load carries great importance.

“Zero Increase” in Storage: Active management of feed hygiene applications is advised to keep fungal growth and toxin load increase that may occur during storage processes under control. This approach contributes to keeping total risk under control by limiting the increase in toxin load during the storage process.

Holistic Protection and Regular Monitoring: Establishing holistic protection protocols suitable for the risk level by analyzing the current risk profile through regular analysis, technical interpretation, and monitoring processes on a farm basis is of critical importance to prevent potential performance losses in future periods.

MYCOTRACE®, with the in-depth analysis and interpretation capacity it provides, not only reveals the current risk; it also contributes to the creation of appropriate management strategies by evaluating the farm-specific risk profile. Thanks to this approach, farms are provided with measurable efficiency, sustainable animal production, and a decision support model with more controlled risk management.

To analyze your farm’s risk profile and create your custom “Holistic Protection Protocol,” you can contact Kartal Kimya’s expert team.