How serious is Bluegreen algae?

How serious is Bluegreen algae?

Some blue-green algae produce toxins or poisons. In their toxic form, blue-green algae can cause illness in humans, pets, waterfowl, and other animals that come in contact with the algae. Toxic blooms can kill livestock and pets that drink the water. Skin rashes on humans after being in the water.

Is there blue-green algae in Florida?

Blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) can grow in Florida’s fresh waterbodies. Large concentrations of these algae, called blooms, can change the water color to blue, green, brown, orange, or red. Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall.

What is toxic algae in Florida?

One of the most well-known harmful algal blooms (HABs) is the Florida “red tide” caused by Karenia brevis, a type of algae that produces potent neurotoxins. The toxins can be suspended in the air near beaches and cause human respiratory illness.

Where is the blue algae in Florida?

Persistent blooms affect many of Florida’s largest and most important rivers, lakes, and estuaries including the St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Caloosahatchee rivers and lakes Okeechobee, Apopka, Griffin, and Harris.

What does toxic algae do to humans?

Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

Can you swim if there is blue-green algae?

Avoid swimming, wading, or playing in lake water that appears covered with scum or blue-green algae or recently had blue-green algae. Avoid drinking or swallowing recreational water from lakes, streams, and other surface waters.

What causes blue-green algae in Florida?

What causes Blue-Green Algal blooms? Although they can occur at any time, blue-green algae are most common in Florida in the summer and early fall, with its high temperatures and abundant sunlight. The summer also brings storms that have the potential to deliver nutrients into waterways through storm water runoff.

Is blue-green algae toxic to fish?

Blue-green algae blooms that occur in freshwater lakes and ponds can be directly toxic to fish and wildlife. The blooms produce a toxin that can kill fish and even mammals if ingested in large amounts.

Is blue-green algae always toxic?

Some blue-green algae can produce toxins, some do not. However, exposure to any blue-green algae blooms can cause health effects in people and animals when water with blooms is touched, swallowed, or when airborne droplets are inhaled.

Is it safe to swim in blue-green algae?

Keep a close eye on pets or small children, who may ingest water containing toxins produced by these algae. Exposure to blue-green algae during swimming, wading, and water-skiing can lead to rashes, skin, eye irritation, and effects such as nausea, stomach aches, and tingling in fingers and toes.

What to do if you get sick from blue-green algae?

Stop using the water and consider medical attention for people and animals if symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; skin, eye, or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties occur after contact with surface waters.

What makes blue-green algae dangerous?

Most types of blue-green algae aren’t toxic, but the few that are can pack a dangerous punch. What Makes It Dangerous? Some blue-green algae blooms emit toxins that can have serious effects on people and pets. The Pet Poison Hotline warns that these microbes are capable of creating two different types of toxins, microcystins and anatoxins.

What is the treatment for blue green algae?

Treatment includes anti-seizure medication, oxygen, and aggressive care by your veterinarian. Unfortunately, there is no antidote for the toxins produced by blue-green algae. Immediate veterinary care is imperative. If you suspect your dog was exposed to blue-green algae, contact Pet Poison Helpline immediately for guidance.

What causes blue green algae?

The primary causes of blue-green algae in your aquarium include: Cyanobacteria was introduced into the aquarium (on a plant or from the water source) Once established, cyanobacteria are rather difficult to eradicate. One way to eliminate it is by taking steps to reduce the nutrients in the water and mechanically removing the cyanobacteria itself.