[env-trinity] Times Standard: Keep them out of the water Blue-green algae bloom poses fatal threat for the furry family member

[Tom Stokely]

I haven't heard of any blue-green algae of this kind in the Trinity River, but FYI.  In addition to the Klamath River Reservoirs, there have been blooms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region.  

Tom Stokely
Water Policy Analyst/Media Contact
California Water Impact Network
V/FAX 530-926-9727
Cell 530-524-0315
tstokely at att.net
http://www.c-win.org



http://www.times-standard.com/ci_21514946/keep-them-out-water-blue-green-algae-bloom?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com 

Keep them out of the water Blue-green algae bloom poses fatal threat for the furry family member
Jessie Faulkner/Tri-City Weekly Eureka Times Standard
Created:
Times-Standard.com
Humboldt County is heading into the months that historically bring the best weather -- September and October. Good enough to take the family dog for a swim in one of the local rivers or lagoons.

Don't do it.

The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently issued a warning that blue-green algae blooms are again possible in area rivers and lagoons. The floating algae -- that can be blue-green, brown or white -- can be quickly fatal to dogs that come in contact with the toxic growth. It often appears as foam or mats on the water's surface.

”Dogs are more vulnerable than people to the effects of blue-green algae because they can swallow the algae when they lick their fur,” according to the DHHS warning. “Dogs have died within 30 minutes to one hour after leaving the water.”

The speed of the toxicity in affecting dogs, according to the statewide Guidance for Blue-Green Algae Blooms, is linked to the neurotoxins' ability to paralyze life-sustaining functions.

”BGA (Blue-green algae) can kill animals within minutes by paralyzing the respiratory muscles, while the hepatotoxins can cause death within hours by causing blood to pool in the liver. The same BGA species can be toxic or nontoxic at different times. ... Reported neurological symptoms included stumbling and falling, followed by an inability to rise, elevated heart rate, foaming at the mouth, howling, tremors, loss of bowel control, eyes rolling back into the head and seizures.”

The blooms can appear in late summer through a combination of specific conditions: low flow, higher water temperature and higher air temperature, said Kevin Metcalfe, a supervising environmental health specialist in the county's Environmental Health Division.

Typically, he said, the algae blooms continue as long as the supportive conditions exist. Testing to confirm the presence of blue-green algae blooms is cost prohibitive, Metcalfe said. But, it may very well be in place.

The state guidelines for dealing with blue-green algae blooms note that five dogs died after swimming in Big Lagoon between July and October 2001, another three dogs died after contact with the South Fork of the Eel River in the summer of 2002 -- two after swimming in the river near Standish-Hickey State Park and another after swimming near Tooby Park in Garberville. In 2009, a dog that swam in the South Fork of the Eel River near Phillipsville died.

”The vet who saw the dogs from Standish-Hickey stated that the animals had seizures within 5-10 minutes of exposure to the water, and were dead within 15 minutes,” according to the state guidance document.

Exposure can cause eye irritation, skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea and cold or flu-like symptoms in people, children are more susceptible because of their body size and tendency to spend more time in the water, according to DHHS.

Since 2001, 11 dogs are believed to have been killed by blue-green algae shortly after coming into contact with the algae in Big Lagoon and the South Fork of the Eel and Van Duzen rivers. One of the factors for the onset of blue-green algae at Big Lagoon in 2001, was that the spit had not been breached that year, Metcalfe said.

”A nerve toxin associated with blue-green algae was found in the stomachs of the dogs that died on the South Fork Eel River in 2002,” according to DHHS. “The same toxin was found in water samples from the South Fork Eel and Van Duzen rivers in 2009 shortly after two dogs died. Blue-green algae blooms that produce a liver toxin have been documented in Klamath River reservoirs and the Klamath River this year.”

One of the first steps is identify the algae bloom.

”The bloom can be green, blue-green, white or brown and may look like a floating layer of scum or paint,” according to a DHHS fact sheet on blue-green algae.

While the algae may be present year-round, it's the bloom that causes the problem, most often in late summer or early fall. While some may be harmless, others may not.

Prevention is relatively simple: stay out of the water and don't let children or pets swim or wade when any type of algae bloom is present. Keep dogs leashed around suspect areas.

”If you or your pets swim or wade in water with algae, rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible,” according to the statewide guidance for blue-green algae blooms. “Always warn young children not to swallow any water, whether or not you see signs of algae.”

Blue-green algae blooms may flourish in isolated ponds adjacent to sloughs or rivers, Metcalfe said, areas that are shallower and often inviting to children and dogs.

Metcalfe said the Humboldt County Environmental Health Division has contacted all veterinarians in the area and provided a detailed fact sheet on the consequences of canine contact with blue-green algae bloom. So far this season, no reports of affected dogs have been received. The county also encourages the public to report any areas of blue-green algae they may have encountered while visiting North Coast rivers or lagoons.

Fish caught in water with active algae blooms may also cause problems. Officials recommend removing the guts and liver and washing the fillets in tap water before cooking and eating.

DHHS officials recommend the following guidelines for swimmers and boaters in all freshwater areas in Humboldt County:

* Keep children, pets and livestock from swimming in or drinking water containing algal scums or mats;

* Adults should also avoid wading and swimming in water containing algal blooms. Try not to swallow or inhale water spray in an algal bloom area;

* If no algal scums or mats are visible, you should still carefully watch young children and warn them not to swallow any water;

* Never drink, cook with or wash dishes with water from rivers, streams or lakes;

* Get medical attention immediately if you think that you, your pet or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins. Be sure to tell the doctor about possible contact with blue-green algae.

Human activities have been linked to blue-green algae blooms, particularly the introduction of phosphorous and nitrogen found in fertilizers and human and animal waste. But, there are steps that may be taken to prevent such developments, according to the DHHS.

* Be conservative with the use of water, fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn, garden or agricultural operation;

* Recycle any “spent” soil that has been used for intensive growing by tilling it back into gardens or protect it from rainfall to avoid nutrient runoff;

* Plant or maintain native plants around banks. These plants help filter water and don't require fertilizers;

* Pump and maintain your septic system every three to four years;

* Prevent surface water runoff from agricultural and livestock areas;

* Prevent erosion around construction and logging operations.

For more information, contact the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services Division of Environmental Health at 445-6215 or 1-800-963-9241. The California Department of Public Health website also has more details at www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/water/Pages/bluegreenalgae.aspx.



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