We’re committed to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better.
Our passion and commitment to the integration of innovative science and engineering drive us to exceed on behalf of every client.
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are rapid, large overgrowths of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, aren’t actually algae, they are prokaryotes, single-celled aquatic organisms that are closely related to bacteria and can photosynthesize like algae. These microorganisms are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems, but, under the right conditions (primarily heavy rains, followed by hot, sunny days), these organisms can rapidly increase to form cyanobacteria blooms, also known as HABs.
HABs can have severe impacts on waterbodies causing significant water quality issues and often forming a visible and sometimes odorous scum on the surface of the water. HABs negatively impact economic health, especially for communities dependent on the income of jobs and tourism generated through their local lakes and waterways. And, HABs can produce toxins that are incredibly harmful (even deadly) to humans, aquatic organisms and animals, including beloved pets, wildlife, and livestock.
The health impacts and symptoms can vary depending on the size and type of animal, how an animal is exposed to the cyanobacteria, how long they were exposed, which type of toxin was present, and how much toxin was present.
Swimming in waters with even low concentrations of cyanotoxin may cause skin rashes, ear/throat infections, and gastrointestinal distress. When ingested, the impacts can be even more severe. The toxins can cause liver, kidney, and nerve damage, and, at high concentrations, cyanotoxins can be lethal.
Animals are often the first effected, in part because they are more likely to swim in or drink from bodies of water that contain cyanobacteria. Dogs are among the most vulnerable victims because they will swallow contaminated water when playing in waterbodies where the existence of toxins may not be noticed. Livestock and wild animals are also susceptible to injecting toxins when drinking from contaminated water sources.
Earlier this year, researchers released a study concluding that a neurotoxin generated by cyanobacteria is responsible for the deaths of eagles and waterbirds. After about 30 years of research, scientists were able to determine that cyanotoxins are the cause of a wildlife disease called vacuolar myelinopathy, a fatal neurological disease that affects various waterbirds, raptors, and, most commonly, bald eagles.
Signs of cyanobacterial poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to a few hours after exposure. In severe cases, animals, specifically dogs, can show signs of cyanobacterial poisoning within a few minutes. Common symptoms can include:
Seek veterinary care immediately and/or call the Poison Control Center if you think your pet or livestock may have symptoms caused by harmful algae, cyanobacteria, or their toxins.
24-Hour Pet Poison HotlinesAnimal Poison Control Center: (800)-213-6680ASPCA: (888) 426-4435.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently released the following safety guidance related to animals and HABs:
“Keep animals, your pets, or livestock out of any surface scums or heavily discolored water, or rinse them with clean water if they are exposed to blooms. HABs can stick to and become concentrated on animal fur, creating a health risk when the animal grooms itself. This is particularly important because HABs may release a fast-acting nerve toxin that can be dangerous for pets, especially dogs that swim in blooms…” 2021. NYSDEC. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Additional Information.
“Keep animals, your pets, or livestock out of any surface scums or heavily discolored water, or rinse them with clean water if they are exposed to blooms. HABs can stick to and become concentrated on animal fur, creating a health risk when the animal grooms itself. This is particularly important because HABs may release a fast-acting nerve toxin that can be dangerous for pets, especially dogs that swim in blooms…”
There are more steps you can take to protect yourself and your pets from getting sick from harmful algae and cyanobacteria:
A great tool for tracking and reporting HABs is the bloomWatch App. You can use bloomWatch to locate HABs and you can report potential HAB sightings to your local officials. Get more info here. Additionally, the NYDEC’s New York HAB System displays the location of current freshwater (non-marine) HABs throughout New York State; check it out here.
For additional HABs-related health and safety guidance, visit NYSDEC’s Information about Harmful Algal Blooms webpage.
To learn about some of the things Princeton Hydro is doing to prevent, mitigate, and treat HABs, visit our recent blog:
add comment
Δ
Your Full Name * Phone Number * Your Email * Organization Address Message *
By EmailBy Phone
Submit
Couldn’t find a match? Check back often as we post new positions throughout the year.
PRINCETON HYDRO
PRINCETON HYDRO