identify Blue-Green Algae Cyanobacteria HABs All Information Derived From EPA Websites Go to EPA HERE
Report suspected algal blooms to your state
State
State departments of health or environment are the best sources for local information about harmful algal blooms.
When people are exposed to cyanotoxins, adverse health effects may range from a mild skin rash to serious illness or in rare circumstances, death. Acute illnesses caused by short-term exposure to cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins during recreational activities include hay fever-like symptoms, skin rashes, respiratory and gastrointestinal distress. Exposure to drinking water contaminated with elevated concentrations of microcystin and cylindrospermopsin could cause liver and kidney damage. The table summarizes the health effects caused by the most common toxin-producing cyanobacteria.
CyanoHABs can also harm pets, wildlife and livestock. Pets and other animals can be poisoned through drinking toxin-contaminated water or by swimming in waters with a cyanoHAB. Several dogs and livestock deaths have been reported after exposure to cyantoxins in water. Symptoms of exposure to HABs in pets can include excessive salivation, fatigue, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Death can occur within hours to days of exposure.
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If you think your dog has gotten into a harmful algae bloom:Rinse him or her off immediately. Wear gloves to protect yourself and give your dog a thorough rinse in clean, fresh water.Watch for symptoms. Symptoms can arise anywhere from 15 minutes to several days after exposure. Take pets to the vet immediately if they suffer from:Diarrhea or vommitingWeakness or staggeringDrooling, difficulty breathing or convulsionsReport the bloom to your state's health department.
*EPA Tools for Waterbody Managers to Monitor for and Respond to CyanoHABs*Recommended Human Health Recreational Ambient Water Quality Criteria or Swimming Advisories for Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin
3 dogs dead after playing in pond overrun with blue-green algaeCheryl Santa MariaDigital Reporter
The Weather Network
How Do Dogs & Wildlife Ingest Blue-Green Algae?Dogs more than other animals are vulnerable to ingesting the toxic algae because of their tendency to play in the water. If your dog is a fetcher and catches tennis balls or other round-shaped toys, this can lead to greater water ingestion and even water intoxication. Dogs may also lick the toxic bacteria off their fur or paws.
That said, the so-called “algae” is not actually a type of algae but a bacteria known as cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria isn’t visible to the naked eye, but it often gives the appearance of algae when it clumps together in bodies of water. This bacteria is often found in non-flowing freshwater during hot seasons with little rainfall. Toxic algae can also grow in backyard pools and decorative ponds if they aren’t routinely cleaned.
AKC Website To Understand DANGER TO PETS