Abstract:
The main objective of the paper is to evaluate the risks of mycological contamination as well as the level of Aflatoxin B1
of dogs feeds containing insects as a source of protein (e.g. Hermetia illucens). A number of 12 fodder samples were
collected, representing 10 animal feedstuffs collected from different pet shops, a dry insect larvae and a fresh insect
sample Black soldier fly (BSF). The mycological examinations of analyzed samples were carried out by insemination on
Sabouraud sterile medium, two per each dilution. The total fungi count was assessed and identified the genera using a
binocular magnifier. The results were expressed in CFU/g product. Identification of prevailing fungi was carried out by
stereomicroscopic examination of the cultural characters of colonies and microscopic preparations on slides, stained with
Bleu Cotton. The quantitative identification of the Aflatoxin B1 from feedstuffs and insect samples was performed by
means of ELISA using a commercial available kit. RIDASCREEN® FAST Aflatoxin - a competitive enzyme
immunoassay. The obtained results highlight a medium and high intensity contamination with fungi of 90% of the
analyzed samples, contamination ranging from 22x103 CFU/g to 755x103 CFU/g. The fungi observed through the
analysis of cultural aspects belong to genera: Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Mucor spp. and Rhizopus
spp. All the analyzed samples were contaminated with Aflatoxin B1 with values between 1.8 and 4.61μg/kg, levels
which, however, do not exceed the maximum limits allowed by the European Community legislation. The samples of
insects species Hermetia illucens contained Aflatoxin B1 in the range of 3,45 -3,51 μg/kg.
