Statements by scientists and veterinarians about potential toxicity of suspect corn on the Rosman farm in Harlan, Iowa

“I would like to ask that the corn suspected of causing reproductive problems in swine be held for purposes of scientific research… They are not the only farm in Iowa to have reported this problem…

“One possible cause of this problem may be the presence of an unanticipated, biologically active, chemical compound within the corn…Animal reproduction studies, especially with swine, will require considerable quantities of the suspect corn…”

Dr. Mark Rasmussen, Research Leader, National Animal Disease Center, ARS/USDA
Letter dated August 5, 2002 to whom it may concern

“Your farm veterinarians and myself have conducted numerous lab tests to determine what caused the reproductive problems in your sow herd. Iowa State University, Kemin Industries, and Medipharm Laboratories, have confirmed threatening levels of Fusarium mold…

“…the mold Fusarium can cause two diseases in humans, Kashin-Beck disease and alimentary toxic aleukia (ATA). If the corn is sold to producers of livestock it could cause problems in equine, poultry, beef, dairy and swine. By moving the corn it allows for further mold increases each time it is handled.”

Donald Bend, DVM, MS
Letter dated June 12, 2002 to Jerry Rosman

“So, it is still a mystery. Rosman is convinced his problem is related to the Fusarium, and he is probably right. Unfortunately, it is widely acknowledged that there are unknown mycotoxins that we do not know how to detect.”

Dr. Gary Munkvold, Associate Professor, Iowa State University
As quoted in the Iowa Farm Bureau Spokesman, May 4, 2002

“I would not feed this corn to any animal.”

Don Hansen, Harlan, Iowa veterinarian
Oral remarks, September 16, 2002