Blue-green algae poisoning of livestock
Summary
Blue-green algae are bacteria (cyanobacteria) capable of photosynthesis. Blue-green algae are normally present in Australian water bodies. There are a number of different species that are currently known to poison stock in Australia.
In some circumstances blue-green algae numbers increase rapidly, resulting in blooms. These can occur in water bodies used by livestock for drinking, including, rivers, creeks, lakes and farm dams.
Topics include:
- Circumstances associated with poisoning
- What might be seen with livestock suffering from blue-green algae poisoning?
- What action should be taken if blue-green algae poisoning is suspected?
- What action should be taken if blue-green algae poisoning is suspected?
- Treatment of affected stock
- Managing livestock when blue-green algae blooms are present
- Monitoring the risk of blue-green algae poisoning of stock
