Zearalenone（ZEA）is one of the mycotoxins posing a severe threat to poultry health and human food safety. By binding to estrogen receptors（ER），it abnormally activates downstream signaling pathways，causing reproductive toxicity，hepatic and renal dysfunction，oxidative stress，and inflammatory damage in laying hens. It also disrupts intestinal calcium transporter expression，impairing bone calcium metabolism and eggshell quality in laying hens. Current ZEA control strategies centre on nutritional regulation and biodegradation. Nutritional regulation relies on antioxidants，vitamins，trace elements，and plant?derived bioactive compounds to mitigate toxin effects through antioxidant，anti?inflammatory，anti?apoptotic actions，and tissue barrier repair. Biodegradation employs microbial adsorption，specific degrading bacteria，and degradative enzymes to disrupt toxin structures and reduce toxicity. This article systematically reviews ZEA sources，metabolic pathways，avian toxicity characteristics，and advances in mainstream control technologies. It analyses existing research limitations to provide guidance for efficient ZEA contamination management，ensuring healthy poultry farming and food safety.