For centuries, the most prevalent antler abnormalities observed worldwide have been attributed to trauma. However, detailed pathological investigation of these cases has not yet been carried out. In free-living fallow deer (Dama dama), we identified a chronic osteomyelitis-like condition—Pedunculitis Chronica Deformans (PCD)—using pathological and radiological diagnostics. We propose that inflammation during post-casting wound healing and consequent scar formation can trigger the development of PCD. In this study, we characterize the pathomorphology of PCD and introduce a scoring system to describe its severity. Furthermore, we describe the histoanatomy of the junction between the pedicle and the surrounding skin—an area essential for the integrity of the integument—which, when compromised, may predispose cervids to PCD. Our findings suggest that the most common antler abnormality results from a pathological fracture associated with PCD, which can be further complicated by fatal meningoencephalitis and brain abscesses. PCD-related lesions, while less frequently observed, can also be identified in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus), with species-specific differences. These findings overlap with cases reported in other cervid species, suggesting a more general disorder of antler formation. Describing this condition provides a basis for assessing its epidemiology and understanding its relevance to wildlife health.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a highly potent Group 1 human carcinogen produced by Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus), poses a significant contamination risk to corn silage, a threat that is further intensified by rising global temperatures. This study aimed to characterize the combined effects of temperature and co-inoculation with the lactic acid bacterium Limosilactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum) on AFB1 production and the expression of key biosynthetic genes in A. flavus colonizing corn silage. Corn silage was incubated at 20 °C, 30 °C, and 37 °C with and without L. fermentum. Using qRT-PCR and HPLC, we found that elevated temperatures, particularly 37 °C, strongly induced the expression of the aflatoxin biosynthetic cluster, including the regulatory gene aflR and structural genes such as omtA and ordA. Co-inoculation with L. fermentum consistently reduced in the final AFB1 concentration by approximately 50–60% at all three temperatures. Molecular analysis revealed that this reduction was associated with transcriptional repression at 30 °C and 37 °C. L. fermentum consistently and markedly down-regulated the expression of aflR and all structural genes. A particularly pronounced suppression was observed for the late-pathway gene ordA at 30 °C. These findings provide molecular evidence supporting the incorporation of selected L. fermentum strains into silage inoculant formulations to mitigate the AFB1 risk under high-temperature conditions.