Blue green algae
What is it?- Cyanobacteria – literally blue/green bacteria
- Creates “blooms”
- colonies that give the water a pea-soup appearance
- can also look like blue or green paint on the surface of the water
- Very thick – mats can be blown to the shore
- How/why does it grow/what conditions are needed
- Most abundant during hot weather – only grows in high water temps
- Spring/summer
- Nutrient rich water – run-off from fertilized fields
- Most actually don’t produce toxins, but all should be considered toxic
- Don’t know w/o testing
- What areas of the country/state are at risk?
- EVERYWHERE!!!
- Most abundant during hot weather – only grows in high water temps
How is it toxic?
- What species are affected?
- Cats, Dogs, Horses, Cows/sheep/goats/llamas, Birds
- Ruminants and birds more susceptible
- Dogs more sensitive to neurotoxins
- Need to ingest it
- Can lick it off the fur/hair too!
- People – contact dermatitis
- Cats, Dogs, Horses, Cows/sheep/goats/llamas, Birds
- Types of toxins
- Microcystins – harmful to liver
- Anatoxins – harmful to nervous system
- Not toxic unless dense surface bloom present
Clinical signs
- Microcystins
- Malaise/lethargy
- Weakness
- Inappetance
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood in stool or black, tarry stool
- Pale mucous membranes
- Jaundice
- Seizures
- Death
- First signs in a few hours if microcystins
- Hepatotoxicosis
- Death within 12-24 hours
- Anatoxins
- Inability to walk
- Disorientation
- Coma
- Shock
- Excessive secretions (e.g., salivation, lacrimation, etc.)
- Neurologic signs (including muscle tremors, muscle rigidity, paralysis, etc.)
- Blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes
- Difficulty breathing
- Death
- First signs w/in 30-60 min if anatoxin – neuro signs
- Respiratory paralysis/arrest
- Death can occur within 30 min, usually a few hours
- Limited and rarely effective
- Supportive care only
- IV fluids, electrolytes, control seizures/muscle tremors
- Activated charcoal
- Out of direct sunlight
- Can treat water supplies, water mixing techniques for livestock
- Very poor for animals
- Good for people, but need medical attention
- http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-toxins-poisons/blue-green-algae-a-deadly-danger-dogs
- http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/blue-green-algae/
- http://veterinaryteam.dvm360.com/blue-green-algae-blooms-how-toxic-waters-affect-pets
- http://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/algal-poisoning/overview-of-algal-poisoning