Creature from the Blue Green Lagoon

Cyanobacteria is a deadly toxin and is found in fresh and brackish bodies of water worldwide but it is increasing in prevalence due to climate change and urbanization therefore we need to do more to increase awareness and prevent future blooms.

Episode Hosts: Angela Warner, Lauren Rush & Val Wright

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Molly Carpenter & Treana Mayer

Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre

Special Guests: Dr. Claire Tucker & Dr. Daniel Gustafson

Episode Notes:

Blue/green algae (cyanobacteria) is found in fresh and brackish bodies of water and is DEADLY to animals and humans. Due to increased urbanization, water runoff and climate change these algal blooms are increasing worldwide. Join us to learn more about the biology of this toxin, what people may or may not already know about cyanobacteria, clinical signs and cases in dogs (the companion animal most likely to die from this toxin) and ways we can all help to prevent/lessen the incidence of these dangerous blooms.

ASPCA Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435

References:

Algae, cyanobacteria blooms, and climate change. Climate Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2021, from http://climate.org/algae-cyanobacteria-blooms-and-climate-change/.

Anneville, O., Domaizon, I., Kerimoglu, O. et al. Blue-Green Algae in a “Greenhouse Century”? New Insights from Field Data on Climate Change Impacts on Cyanobacteria Abundance. Ecosystems 18, 441–458 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-014-9837-6

Beasley VR, Dahlem AM, Cook WO, et al. Diagnostic and Clinically Important Aspects of Cyanobacterial (Blue-Green Algae) Toxicoses. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. 1989;1(4):359-365.

Blue-green algae. Washington State Department of Health. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Contaminants/BlueGreenAlgae.

Blue-green algae and harmful algal blooms. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. (2021, November 8). Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/blue-green-algae-and-harmful-algal-blooms.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, April 19). Causes and ecosystem impacts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/habs/environment.html#bb.

Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). EPA. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/climate-change-and-harmful-algal-blooms.

Sebbag, L., Smee, N., van der Merwe, D., & Schmid, D. (2013, September 1). Liver failure in dog following suspected ingestion of blue-green algae (Microcystis spp.): A case report and review of the Toxin. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://meridian.allenpress.com/jaaha/article/49/5/342/176787/Liver-Failure-in-a-Dog-Following-Suspected.