It happens every year…the smelly, nasty green scum in Castle Rock and Petenwell Lakes! Here a few facts that you will need to know to keep you, your family and your pets safe:
* Blue-Green Algae produce toxins or poisons. In their toxic form this algae can cause illness in humans, pets, waterfowl and other animals that come in contact with it. Toxic blooms can even kill livestock and pets that drink the water. For more information on how this can be a danger to your pet, check out this article. http://wisconsingazette.com/2016/05/30/mystery-in-minnesota-dogs-dying-from-toxic-algae-blooms/
* Symptoms from drinking water that is contaminated with this algae include: nausea, fever, sore throat, dizziness, stomach cramps, diarrhea, abdominal pain, allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, vomiting, muscle aches, mouth ulcers and blistering of the lips.
* The toxins produced by Blue-Green Algae may also affect the liver and nervous system if water is ingested in sufficient quantities.
* If there are big, visible chunks of algae present, swimming or wading in this water is probably not a good idea.
* Children and pets are at the highest risk for getting sick from these toxins.
* It is undetermined as to the risk of eating fish caught in these contaminated waters and is suggested to “eat at your own risk”.
For more information about Blue-Green Algae we have included a link on our Resources Page so you can be safe and learn more.
–Kelly Bain