One area of pet safety concerns is the growing challenge of toxic blue-green algae. While not actually algae at all, they are types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. The bacteria are normally present in many lakes and stagnant waters.
Not all states report where the cyanobacteria have been found, some do. The risk is that these bacteria form poisonous toxins, microcystins, which can cause adverse health effects in people and animals. These effects range from skin rashes to serious illness and even death.
Here is a state-by-state listing, EPA information including a map and a video from Courtney Campbell, DVM.
Source: State level microcystin listing, EWG. Link.
Source: Eruptions of Toxic Algae Plague U.S.Lakes, Threatening Drinking Water and Recreation, EWG. August 2019. Link. See educational videos and interactive EPA microcystin location map.
Source: Toxic algae warning, Vet Candy, September 21,2019. Link. Educational video.
INSIGHTS: Remaining blue-green algae may pose risks to waterfowl and upland game hunters. Share this information on social media and in newsletters. For those in rural areas where microcystins have been identified, work with local media to help pet owners avoid troublesome infections.