Blue-Green Algae Can Kill Livestock

OMAHA (DTN) -- North Dakota State University Extension specialists have received reports of cyanobacteria blooms in livestock water sources. Also known as blue-green algae, this toxin is harmful to livestock, wildlife and people.

Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist, said the growth of this bacteria is facilitated by high temperatures, according to a NDSU press release (https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/…).

"The hot, dry conditions projected for July are perfect for the production of cyanobacteria," Meehan said.

Cyanobacteria is caused by an excess of nutrients -- particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. When these products are misused, the potential for nutrient leaching to surface is increased. When these nutrients enter surface water, they stimulate growth of cyanobacteria and other microorganisms.

Blue-green algae often occurs in stagnant ponds or dugouts with elevated nutrient levels, forming large colonies that appear as scum on or just below the water surface. Live cyanobacterial blooms can be green, but also red or yellow, and often turn blue after the bloom dies and dries on the surface or shoreline, according to Meehan.

Some species of cyanobacteria can be toxic when livestock and wildlife ingest them. Toxicity is dependent on the species consuming the water, the concentration of the toxin or toxins and the amount of water ingested.

Cyanobacteria can produce neurotoxins and liver toxins. Signs of neurotoxin poisoning can appear within five minutes to up to several hours after ingestion. In animals, symptoms include weakness, staggering, muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, convulsions and, ultimately, death.

Animals affected by liver toxins may exhibit weakness, pale-colored mucous membranes, mental derangement, bloody diarrhea and may ultimately die. Typically, livestock are found dead before producers even observe symptoms.

If cyanobacterial poisoning is suspected as the cause of death, producers should check the edges of ponds for dead wildlife.

Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist, advises any farmer or rancher who suspects cyanobacteria poisoning as the cause of a livestock death to contact a veterinarian to conduct a necropsy.

"A veterinarian can determine which samples would be appropriate for each situation," Galbreath said.

When collecting a water sample, be sure to wear gloves as cyanobacteria can be toxic to humans. Collect a sample of the suspected cyanobacterial bloom from the surface of the water and deeper in the water.

The sample should be kept cool, but not frozen and submitted to the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory or a commercial laboratory. It can be evaluated microscopically for algae, or the water can be analyzed for several of the toxins at commercial labs at a higher cost.

Galbreath provided some ways livestock producers can prevent cyanobacterial poisoning of livestock:

-- Reduce nutrient levels entering the water source by implementing a nutrient management plan or establishing buffer strips with perennial plant species.

-- Create a designated drinking area where the risk of cyanobacteria is minimal.

-- Fence off the pond and pump water from the pond to the water tank.

-- Use water from other sources following periods of hot, dry weather.

-- Pump water from the center of the water body well below the surface, where the bacteria are unlikely to concentrate, to a water tank.

Unfortunately, unless steps are taken to reduce the nutrient load and minimize the potential for nutrients to enter the water body, there will continue to be a risk of cyanobacterial blooms.

Meehan provides management practices to consider to reduce nutrient loads:

-- Properly apply nitrogen and phosphorus to fields. Rate, time, amount and type of nutrient applied need to be considered.

-- Adapt soil conservation practices that reduce erosion.

-- Install hay or graze buffer strips to reduce the release of phosphorus as plants decompose.

Contact your local NDSU Extension agent for more information on cyanobacteria and nutrient management. Additional information regarding water quality can be found at https://www.ndsu.edu/….

Russ Quinn can be reached at Russ.Quinn@dtn.com

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