CURRENT seasonal conditions are condusive to helping blue-green algae thrive in farm water supplies, Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Charles Milne, has warned.

A cyanobacterial aggregation more commonly known as a blue-green algal bloom. Wikimedia Commons.

Dr Milne is urging livestock owners need to remain alert, as blue green algae poisoning is usually seen in late summer and early autumn, and can result in poisoning of livestock, including pets.

““As there is no specific treatment for blue-green algae poisoning, producers should check farm water supplies daily for blooms, as this remains the most effective way of preventing stock deaths.

“Blue-green algal blooms typically appear as surface scum that looks like a suspension of green paint or curdled green milk, often with an earthy smell.

“However, the colour may range from pale green to dark brown.

Deaths can occur when stock drink toxins produced by the blue-green algae, often when it is concentrated on the down-wind side of a water supply and has formed a dense, surface scum.

Animals that have consumed blue-green algal toxin may appear ill very rapidly, develop a staggery gait, collapse, begin to convulse and die – typically within 24 hours – depending on the toxicity of the bloom and the concentration of the toxin.

Those that do not die immediately often suffer severe liver damage.

This may lead to the development of jaundice (the yellows) or photosensitisation over the next few days.

Dr Milne said those that recover from these ailments often suffer from chronic ill-thrift. If a suspicious bloom is noticed, stock should be removed as quickly as possible, and a safe alternate water supply provided.

“Where possible producers should identify an alternative water supply, prior to their primary source of livestock drinking water being affected by a bloom. There may not be time to identify an alternative water source once the primary water supply is affected”, said Dr Milne.

“We recommend laboratory testing of the water supply for the presence of blue-green algae, and a postmortem examination of dead or sick animals by a veterinarian.”

Blue-green algae toxins may remain on dry pasture for a long-time following irrigation, often until there is a rain event or further irrigation with uncontaminated water.

Contaminated water should not be used to irrigate vegetables and fruit or come in contact with plants being grown for food, particularly fruit and vegetables that are mostly eaten raw such as apples, grapes, tomatoes, strawberries, cabbages and other salad greens.

It is also recommended to keep stock off pasture that has been irrigated with blue-green algae contaminated water for at least seven days after irrigation.

Dr Milne said dogs are also prone to poisoning as they tend to swim in farm water supplies and should be kept away from suspect water sources.

Source: Agriculture Victoria. For further information on blue-green contamination visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farm-management/bluegreen-algae-issues.