Algae Fatal To Dogs Found In Maryland Waters: Health Officials

PASADENA, MD — Algae blooms can happen in Maryland lakes and rivers, as well as the Chesapeake Bay. New warnings are out after pet deaths in other states from toxins produced by the bacteria. And officials in Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties issued fresh warnings Aug. 13 about the dangers of swimming in lakes with high algae content.

Montgomery Parks cautioned residents about elevated levels of microcystin in Lake Needwood and Lake Frank located within Rock Creek Regional Park. Testing showed elevated levels of microcystin, a toxic substance produced by some species of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), in Lake Needwood.

Microcystin, a hepatotoxin, can cause harm to the liver of humans and pets if ingested. Of particular concern are dogs that are off-leash and may swim and/or drink from the lake, despite park regulations. Montgomery Parks urged visitors to avoid direct contact with water while boating or fishing, and keep dogs on leash so they don't drink or come in contact with the water.

Anne Arundel County Department of Health reminded residents that a health advisory against direct water contact for Lake Waterford in Pasadena because of an algae bloom has been in place since July 3 and continues. Signs have been posted at the lake to warn visitors.

The blooms of blue-green algae reported at Lake Waterford naturally occur in fresh waters and in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay.

And in mid-July the Maryland Department of Natural Resources found potentially harmful algae during a water sample taken from the North East River near Charlestown in Cecil County, WJZ reports.

Reports nationwide of dogs dying after swimming in ponds containing blue-green algae have surfaced in the past week.

In North Carolina, Melissa Martin and Denise Mintz took their three dogs — two West Highland terriers and a goldendoodle mix — on a doggie playdate to swim in a pond and play in the mud. Within minutes of leaving the pond, one of the dogs began having a seizure, owner Melissa Martin said on Facebook. By the end of the night, all three dogs were dead, the victims ofblue-green algae poisoning, according to the dog owners.

"At 12:08 AM, our dogs crossed the rainbow bridge together," Martin wrote. "They contracted blue green algae poisoning and there was nothing they could do. We are gutted. I wish I could do today over. "

Several dogs have also reportedly died after swimming in an Austin, Texas lake believed to have been contaminated with toxic blue-green algae.

What is toxic blue-green algae, and why is it bad?

According to health officials, blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are photosynthetic bacteria that are a natural part of the aquatic environment. Blue-green algae are often present in lakes in small or moderate amounts, but can grow and proliferate quickly in warm, fresh water that is rich with nutrients.

Harmful algae blooms may appear as a thick scum layer or green paint on the surface of the water, and can be a variety of colors such as blue, green or brown and may have a foul odor, says the EPA.

Most blue-green algae is harmless, but the production of toxins is what makes an algal bloom harmful, according to experts. Microcystin is the most well-known toxin produced during a harmful algal bloom, and it can cause a variety of symptoms by affecting the skin, liver, GI tract and nervous system.

A high abundance of algae can block sunlight to underwater bay grasses, consume oxygen in the waterleading to fish kills, produce surface scum and odors, and interfere with the feeding of shellfish and other organisms that filter water to obtain their food. Some algal species can also produe chemicals that are toxic to humans and aquatic life, says the Maryland Department of Health.

Harmful algae can cause illness in young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, as well as animals. Symptoms of exposure to algal toxins include rashes, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing or wheezing.

If you spot a blue-green algae bloom

If you see a potential harmful algae bloom, avoid the water.

• Do not swim or wade through algal scums
• Do not boat, water ski, jet ski, or fish where algal scum is present
• Always shower off with soap and water after swimming in a lake, river, or pond
• Do not let dogs drink, eat, or lick algal scum off their fur
• Wash your dog off with clean water immediately if your dog swims or wades in water during an algal bloom.

Marylanders are asked to report algae blooms and any health problems from them to the Maryland Department of Health toll-free at (866) 703-3266, or your local county health department.

You can find the current conditions at your favorite Maryland beaches online, or download the Maryland Healthy Beaches app, available for Android (Google Play) and iPhone (App Store). Data is available from Memorial Day to Labor Day.