Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins
AND HOW THEY AFFECT ANIMALS
Dr. John H. Rodgers, Director of the Ecotoxicology Program at Clemson University, and a pioneer in the study of harmful algal blooms.
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Cyanobacteria and Health EffectsMany harmful algal blooms are produced by cyanobacteria (aka “blue-green algae”), a photosynthetic bacteria that can produce toxins.
Cyanobacteria can produce liver toxins, neurotoxins, and endotoxins. Fresh water diatoms, golden algae and some brown algae also produce toxins. Symptoms in humans and animals include muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis, cardiac or respiratory difficulty, and liver failure. Death for fish, wildlife or animals can occur within hours or days.
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Threats to Pets and LivestockDrinking from ponds showing signs of a harmful algal bloom may prove fatal to pets, horses and livestock. Dr. Rodgers investigated an Angus cattle kill in North Georgia. Dr. Rodgers reports that the cattle were drinking from a farm pond and died from microcystins that were in the water.
Unfortunately, cattle and dogs willingly drink water affected by harmful algal blooms and even eat algae mats. Dogs are also put at risk when exposed to cyanobacteria after licking their fur after swimming in the water. |
Cyanobacteria toxins killed 32 head of cattle in Lake County, Oregon in June 2017.Capital Press, Jul 12, 2017
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In North Carolina, three dogs died within hours of swimming in a pond with a blue-green algae bloom.CNN, August 12, 2019
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In 2018, seven dogs became ill from toxic algae in Lake Okeechobee in Florida.Fox 13, Sept 14 2018
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TOXIN SYMPTOMS,
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Threats to Fish and WildlifeFish can also be susceptible to harmful algal blooms, especially in aquaculture. Dr. Rodgers noted an aquaculture farmer in Mississippi who lost one million fish in a day due to a harmful algal bloom. The associated cost for the farmer was $1 million.
Cyanotoxins can even affect marine mammals. Dr. Melissa Miller of California’s Department of Fish and Game was lead author of a paper documenting the death of 21 southern sea otters. Dr. Miller reported that the otters died of microcystin poisoning after eating shellfish with concentrated levels of the toxin. A freshwater lake a mile inland was affected by a blue-green algal bloom, and tributaries carried cyanobacteria to Monterey Bay. |
Research is being done to understand the growth correlation of avian vacuolar myolinopathy (AVM), a deadly brain disease on invasive plants like Hydrilla.Dr. Wilde AVM Research, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia
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Arizona's Tempe Town Lake experienced a fish kill in the thousands after an outbreak of golden algae.azcentral, Feb 5, 2018
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Southwest Florida was massively impacted by a bloom that affected marine life - like those protected by the Endangered Species Act, the Florida manatee.Fox 13, Sept 14 2018
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Water Managers Must Act QuicklyWhen a problem appears, early detection and rapid response are critical. Water resource managers, including farmers and city officials, must be observant. With early intervention and actively managing the situation, a potential algal bloom can be prevented altogether. |
Dr. John H. Rodgers, Director of the Ecotoxicology Program at Clemson University, and a pioneer in the study of harmful algal blooms.
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ACT QUICKLYA successful short-term response uses algaecides to kill the algae. Copper-based formulations such as Cutrine ® Ultra or Algimycin® Algaecides have been proven to kill algae and cyanobacteria by interfering with enzyme production. Non-copper formulations like Phycomycin® SCP Algaecide are oxidizers, and quickly get to work, destroying the cell walls. A great way to determine which product to use is The Algal Challenge Test, which looks at the most effective algaecide to control algal concentration, while using the least amount, a prescriptive water management approach.
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KEEP MONITORING
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A diligent lake and pond management program will help reduce the risk of future harmful algal blooms affecting pets and livestock. |
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