[PyrNet-L] FYI- Vermont warning

["Merrilie" <Grammy@biddeford.com>]

This was posted on another list, and with permission I am forwarding it...
Merrilie

----- Original Message -----
> From ProMED:
>
> BLUE-GREEN ALGAE, TOXIN?, DOGS - USA (VERMONT)
> **********************************************
> A ProMED post
> <http://www.healthnet.org/programs/promed.html>
>
> [1]
> Date: Thu, 09 Sep 1999 10:51:07 -0400
> From: Terry Allen <tallen@igc.org>
>
>
> Three dogs have died after drinking water from Lake Champlain which lies
> between western Vermont and eastern up-state New York. The water was laden
> with blue-green algae.  State epidemiologist in both states are testing
> algae samples to determine the toxin. Necropsies are scheduled.  The lake
> has been particularly warm and low this year and there is also suggestion
> that algae blooms are more common when there is significant nutrient
> run-off from fertilizer and manure.
>
> - --
> Terry J. Allen
> Richmond, VT 05477 USA
> e-mail: tallen@igc.org
>
> *****
> [2]
> Date: Thu, 09 Sep 1999 13:33:17 -0400
> From: Marjorie P. Pollack <pollackmp@mindspring.com>
> Source: State News Vermont 8 Sep 1999 (edited)
>
>
> Lake Water Alert Given - (LAKE CHAMPLAIN) -- State health authorities are
> warning pet owners to keep their animals from drinking water from Lake
> Champlain. The warning comes after the death of 3 seemingly healthy dogs
> over the past few days. Officials say the deaths may be the result of a
> toxic substance and they are concerned that it could be blue-green algae
> found in the lake water. Officials also say they have absolutely no
> evidence of any human illness caused by the algae.
>
> - --
> ProMED
> e-mail: promed@usa.healthnet.org
>
> [Many species of cyanobacteria produce populations that are toxic to
humans
> and animals. Blue-green pond scums have been linked to the poisoning of
> cattle and dogs, and occasionally people. It is therefore not recommended
> that wild populations be gathered and eaten without some knowledge of the
> organisms involved. Some species of cyanobacteria appear to be non toxic
> and are harvested as a food source. Cyanobacteria may cause other problems
> as well; a species of _Lyngbya_ is responsible for one of the skin
> irritations commonly known as "swimmer's itch."
>
> It seems the health authorities would recommend people and animals avoid
> further exposure to that area of the lake. Lake Champlain is a very large
> and historic body of fresh water. It is possible the deaths took place on
> one area of the lake. Nevertheless, people should keep their pets out of
> the water and swimming in that area is unwise. - Mod.TG]
> ........................................tg/es
> - --
>
> Warmly, Eileen Nauman,
>  Moderator
> http://www.medicinegarden.com
>
>
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