another dog dead from algal poisoning - N. Mex.

[donsu]

http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?cid=13423&cat=dis&lang=eng


State park officials are cautioning pet owners to beware following the death of a dog at Elephant Butte State Park. Park officials report a 12-pound Jack Russell Terrier died at the lake, after possibly ingesting naturally occurring blue-green algea in the lake. The dog had been swimming for several hours along a cove, when he became ill and later died. "There is a suspicion that algae consumption may be to blame though it hasn't been confirmed," said State Parks Director Dave Simon. "Until we know for sure, it's advisable to keep pets out of the water where algae are present." Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms that are naturally occurring in lakes and streams. Algae forms when conditions include the presence of warm, shallow, stagnant water that receives a lot of sunlight. Toxic algae blooms are usually localized, sporadic and last a very short amount of time, primarily in the summer. Though not naturally a toxin, algae can produce toxins which can make animals sick when consumed, except for fish. Algae toxins have been shown to attack the nervous system of animals which can lead to death if not immediately treated. When swimming near algae blooms, people can develop skin rashes, and might experience symptoms similar to that of food poisoning.

As is the case in any body of water at any location, algae are more prevalent in isolated coves during the summer months. Algae might be present in water that is visibly disolored and can include shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red.)
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[Igel]

1. I like the plural agreement ..."where algae are present."

Pity about the dog, though.

[B3Nut]

2. We've been having bouts of that in Madison

and surrounding areas as well, even on Lake Monona IIRC.

Todd in Cheesecurdistan