MADISON (Press Release)
– Record setting temperatures are contributing to blue-green algae blooms in
some popular state waters leading human and animal health experts to urge
caution during water-based recreation, dog training or pet exercise.
Learn
more about blue-green algae by visiting the DNR website dnr.wi.gov and
searching "blue-green
algae." Pictures of blue green algae blooms are available on the Department of Health
website.
"Reports
of health concerns due to exposure to toxins produced by some blue-green algae
are growing after our recent hot weather," said DNR aquatic research scientist,
Gina LaLiberte. "People should be on the lookout for water with a green ‘pea
soup' appearance or which contains green, blue, white, red, or brown scums that
may be foamy or in mats or blobs.
"If
you have any doubts about the appearance of water, you should stay out and
consider taking steps to ensure that children and pets do not swim in or drink
water containing blue-green algal blooms."
Most
Wisconsin surface waters have good water quality and are safe for water sports
and exercise but health officials advise people to avoid swimming, wading,
water skiing, or coming into contact with the water in areas of lakes, ponds,
and rivers where a scum or mat of algae is present. Washing off after swimming
in any lake, pond or river also can be helpful.
The
most commonly reported symptoms of exposure to blue-green algae blooms in
humans include rashes, gastrointestinal ailments, and respiratory irritation,
according to Mark Werner, a toxicologist with the Department of Health
Services. People experiencing symptoms that may be due to blue-green algal
exposure should contact their health care provider or the Poison Control Center
at 1-800-222-1222.
People
are also encouraged to report potential algae-related illnesses to the
Wisconsin Department of Health Services by filling out an electronic
form or calling (608) 266-1120.
Protect
your Pets
Animal
health experts recommend keeping pets from swimming in or drinking water from
lakes with algae choked water and using clean water to remove algae from their
fur if they do enter algae choked waters.
"Animals
have a higher risk from dying after exposure to blue-green algae toxins because
they may ingest large amounts of toxins from drinking lake, pond, or river
water or licking algae from their fur," advises DNR veterinarian Dr. Lindsey
Long. "Symptoms in dogs can include abnormal sluggishness, loss of appetite,
vomiting, diarrhea or even seizures. If your animal shows any of these symptoms
contact your veterinarian immediately."
Blue-green
algae, technically known as cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms that are
naturally present in Wisconsin lakes, streams and ponds at low levels. When conditions
are favorable, usually in summer, the number of algae can increase
dramatically, forming pea-soup blooms and scums on the water surface. Their
populations peak from July to September.
Cyanobacteria
blooms can develop in surface waters with high concentrations of nutrients,
particularly phosphorus. Blooms tend to grow when there is a lot of sunlight,
water temperatures are high, and there is little wind. Wind can push blooms to
the windward side of lakes.
All
blue-green algae contain compounds that can cause rashes or gastrointestinal
illness with ingestion. Additionally, some algal species produce toxins that,
when ingested, can harm the neurological systems or liver of people, pets,
livestock and wildlife. Not all cyanobacteria produce toxins, but the presence
of blue-green algae blooms in lakes, ponds, or rivers is an indication that the
public can use to determine a potential hazard.
