Elephant Deaths Linked to Toxic Kodo Millet in India
In Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, 10 wild elephants from a herd of 13 died, likely due to mycotoxins in Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum). This millet, a drought-resistant staple crop high in nutrients, can become toxic when contaminated by fungi that produce cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), especially under moist harvesting conditions. Symptoms of Kodo poisoning include neurological and cardiovascular issues. Effective measures like biocontrol agents and proper grain storage are recommended to reduce contamination risks. Enhanced testing methods, including HPLC and ELISA, are crucial for early detection to protect wildlife and ensure safe millet handling.
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