Aflatoxicosis and Red Disease

Aflatoxicosis and red disease are discussed together here because of the close similarity of their histopathology. However, the etiology of red disease is unknown, and while it may have a toxic cause, the possible role of an infectious agent in its etiology has not been completely explored. Both of these diseases have, as their principal feature, a necrosis of the hepatopancreas that is accompanied by marked intertubular hemocytic inflammation, tubule encapsulation and melanization.