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Warning Signs of Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB’s)

By Ryan King Jul 1, 2025 | 7:36 AM

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), often caused by blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, are an increasing threat to livestock and pets as warmer summers and nutrient runoff from fertilizers promote their growth.

These blooms can appear in various colors and develop rapidly, sometimes within hours, producing toxins that pose serious health risks to animals and humans.

Symptoms in affected livestock can occur within minutes to hours and include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, stumbling, and jaundice. Prompt veterinary care is essential if exposure is suspected.

To help identify potential contamination, producers can perform a simple at-home jar test or submit water samples to a veterinary diagnostic lab. Regular monitoring throughout the summer is important, as toxin levels can vary. Preventative strategies such as planting cover crops, creating buffer strips around ponds, and timing fertilizer use carefully can help reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff.

 

Photo Credit: The Michigan Sea Grant.

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