A total of 1,695 healthy slaughtered pigs were sampled from 113 different farms across 21 geographic regional units in 8 distinct regions of Greece. The analysis employed two testing methods: an immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FD).

The findings revealed a significant level of OTA contamination, with 46.1% of samples testing positive using the ELISA method and an even higher 72.7% positivity rate determined by HPLC-FD. The concentrations of OTA detected in the blood serum ranged from 0.20 to 5.38 μg/L for ELISA and from 0.15 to 5.96 μg/L for HPLC-FD, indicating a considerable presence of this mycotoxin in the livestock.

Further analysis showed that a substantial number of farms were affected by OTA, with 88 farms (77.9%) testing positive via ELISA and 108 farms (95.6%) showing positive results through HPLC-FD. The regions exhibiting the highest levels of OTA contamination were Thessaly, where the positivity rate exceeded 98% and the highest toxin concentration reached 5.96 μg/L, and Crete Island, where a remarkable prevalence of up to 100% was recorded, with a range of affected farms between 75% and 100%.

The detection of OTA in the blood serum of pigs across various regions of Greece raises serious concerns about the implications for animal health and food safety. OTA is known to have harmful effects, including potential carcinogenic properties, which can pose risks not only to animals but also to humans who consume pork products. This study underscores the emerging risk associated with OTA contamination in the swine industry, highlighting the critical need for ongoing surveillance and monitoring of OTA levels in both livestock and pork production facilities. Such measures are essential to ensure public health safety and to maintain the integrity of the food supply chain.