Came across an unfortunate post on another site where a member just lost his hunting buddy due to this stuff. Figure with the heat we've been having, it's a good idea to bring some awareness up on this nasty pea soup looking stuff.

What you should know about Blue-Green Algae

Algae are common in surface waters throughout Minnesota. They are microscopic plants that are a natural part of any aquatic environment. When temperature and water conditions are right, algae “blooms” can turn the water green and  melly and may contribute to fish kills. Most algae are harmless; however under certain conditions, a type of algae,  called “blue-green” algae, can produce toxins. People or animals who contact toxic blue-green algae can become sick. In some cases, animals have died from it.

What is it?

Algae occur in virtually all waters in Minnesota, but their concentration can vary considerably through the year and with location. There are numerous forms of algae, but one form -- blue-green algae (also referred to as cyanobacteria) can produce toxins that affect humans or animals. This type of algae is found throughout Minnesota,  but thrives in warm, shallow, nutrient-rich lakes, commonly found in central and southern Minnesota.

What should I do if I or a pet come in contact with it?

The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that humans not ingest, swim or wade in water with blue-green algae.  If contact does occur, the algae should be washed off thoroughly, paying special attention to the swimsuit area. If your pet comes in contact with a bloom, wash off your pet's coat to prevent them from ingesting the algae while  self-cleaning. If you suspect the animal is sick from the algae, call a veterinarian immediately.

More Resources:

http://www.mvma.org/news/BlueGreen%20Algae.pdf

http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/wr/INFORMATION/OTHERINFO/Pages/Blue-GreenAlgae.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanobacteria

http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae.pdf

I don't think it is much of a problem in oregon.  I don't think we get warm enough for long enought.

I have seen a few signs warning about it but it always has a "threat" meter that maybe a biologist is suppose to move the needle but most of the time the needle is missing because there is no threat.

I feel very fortunate to live/hunt/work in Oregon.

I thought it was mostly a midwest thing until I started pulling up articles. Looks like quite a bit of the east coast can be affected, haven't found anything for northwest coast so yet.

It's amazing how much out there will kill a pet if your not careful. Have heard of a (rare) fungus that'll grow in your yard, they get it in the respiratory system and it's all down hill from there. Cocoa mulch has been known for a few deaths too.

There was an article in the Outdoor News...I think it was last year...about this stuff. It sounds, and looks, pretty nasty and doesn't sound like something to take lightly if it has been documented in the areas you hunt. Thanks for posting the info for us all to see. Knowing about the dangers of things like this is half the battle.

A couple years ago I read a couple really bad stories about the effects it has on dogs. It doesnt end well.

I'm glad that you posted this. I will have to keep an eye out before letting our dog dive into the water.

It's pretty nasty..thats why i'm sitting here now...i wanted the lab to swim this morning, but with the weather lately the water around my area is nasty and i'm afraid to let her swim in them....Honkers50