Blue-green algae blooms, such as this one from last summer in Minnesota, can pose severe health risks to both people and pets.
Summer officially is only beginning this week, but already scattered states are reporting outbreaks of toxic blue-green algae. A form of bacteria that blooms and dies back like algae, the algae can kill pets and other animals that ingest water from infested lakes, and cause human health problems.
Blue-green algae has already cropped up in waters in Washington state, Minnesota, Ohio, New Hampshire, Florida and Massachusetts, although not above health standards in some places. Other states, including Delaware and Indiana, have issued general advisories.
In Washington, State Rep. Mike Carrell urged health officials to act, explaining in a letter:
“After two years of monitoring Lake Waughop, the problem and health concerns continue to worsen. Lake Waughop consistently tested at over 100 times the allowable level for toxins through the spring and summer of last year and throughout the spring this year.”
A combination of farm and residential chemical fertilizer runoff and sewage that releases nutrients into the water contributes to the toxic algae, which can sicken people and animals.
Health authorities advise people not to ingest, swim, or wade in water with blue-green algae. If they do, they should thoroughly wash with clean water and soap. Pets coming in contact with a bloom should also be washed off immediately.
Photo: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
