Why are algae blooms are a public health concern?
Blue-green algae scum at Blue Lake
Exposure to toxic algae can pose health risks.
Algae are microscopic organisms that grow naturally in oceans and fresh waters. Under certain conditions, some algae can grow into a large visible mass called a bloom. Not all blooms are harmful, but some species of algae, such as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, can produce toxins or poisons that can cause serious illness or death in pets, livestock, wildlife and humans.
Exposure to toxic algae occurs through skin contact or swallowing or inhaling droplets of affected water. This can cause a range of symptoms:
* Skin irritation or rash is the most commonly reported health effect.
* Other symptoms range from diarrhea, cramps and vomiting to fainting, numbness, dizziness, tingling and paralysis.
* The most severe reactions occur when large amounts of water are swallowed.
If you are visiting a lake where a bloom is in process:
* Stay out of the affected water.
* Keep children and pets away.
* If you touch the affected water, wash off thoroughly with another source of water.
* Never drink or cook with the affected water.
* Be aware that you cannot treat affected water. Boiling it will not kill the toxins nor have personal water filtration devices been proven effective in treating algae-affected water.
Fish caught in affected waters pose unknown health risks.
* If you choose to eat them, remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking because toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.
* Crayfish or freshwater shellfish harvested from affected waters should not be eaten.
Don't let an algae bloom ruin your visit to the lake!
Outdoor activities, such as camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, bird watching and catch-and-release fishing are encouraged. Boating is safe as long as speeds don't whip up excessive water spray, which could create an inhalation risk.
Why are dogs a specific concern?
Oregon recorded its first laboratory-confirmed dog death due to toxic-algae in Sept., 2009.
* Additional dog death reports were received during 2009 that were considered probable algae-related due to the circumstances; however laboratory tests were not done so they cannot be classified as confirmed.
* This follows anecdotal reports over previous years of dog and livestock deaths attributable to toxic algae.
If you and your dog adventure out to lakes, rivers and streams, please be aware of the potential danger posed by cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. It could save your pet’s life.
* Dogs are a specific concern because they do not discriminate between fresh water or algae-affected water. Their first reaction is often to go into the water or drink the water, quite often near the shore, where algae can accumulate.
Do not allow your dog to enter the water.
* If your dog does go in the water, don’t let him lick his fur and wash him off immediately with another source of water.
* Watch closely for any symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, weakness, staggering and convulsions call your veterinarian immediately. If treatment is delayed, the prospect for recovery dims.
Prevention is critical.
* If the water looks suspicious, don’t let your pet go in.
For more information please visit: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/hab/faqs.shtml
No comments:
Post a Comment