Watch for blue-green algae in farm water

“Blue-green algal blooms typically appear as surface scum that looks like a suspension of green paint, often with an earthy smell. However, the colour may range from pale green to dark brown,” Dr Phillips said.

Deaths can occur when stock drink toxins produced by the blue-green algae, often when it is concentrated on the down-wind side of a water supply and has formed a dense, surface scum.

Animals that have consumed blue-green algal toxin get ill very rapidly, develop a staggering gait, collapse, begin to convulse and die — typically within 24 hours — depending on the toxicity of the bloom and the concentration of the toxin.

Those that don’t die immediately often suffer from severe liver damage. Livestock that recover from these ailments often suffer from chronic ill-thrift.

If a suspicious bloom is noticed, the water supply should be isolated as quickly as possible, and a safe alternate water supply provided.

“Where possible producers should identify an alternative water supply, prior to their primary source of livestock drinking water being affected by a bloom,” Dr Phillips said.

“There may not be time to identify an alternative water source once the primary water supply is affected.

“We recommend laboratory testing of the water supply for the presence of blue-green algae and a post-mortem or examination of dead or sick animals by a veterinarian.”

Contaminated water should not be used to irrigate vegetables and fruit or come in contact with plants being grown for food, particularly fruit and vegetables that are mostly eaten raw such as apples, grapes, tomatoes, strawberries, cabbages and other salad greens.

Dr Phillips said dogs were also prone to poisoning as they swim in farm water supplies and should be kept away from suspect water sources.