JUST HAD THIS FROM MY VETS

[Saffy]

Risk of Algal Toxicity to Livestock SRUC have sent out the following information, which will be relevant in this area well asinScotland:In the summer months, particularly during periods of hot weather we occasionally see cases of blue-greenalgae (cyanobacterial) toxicity. In previous years our diagnoses have been in cattle, althoughother speciescan be affected. This condition should be considered in cases of otherwise undiagnosed suddendeath,particularly in cattle at grass depending on their water supply. In the acute stages of the disease process cattle can show nervous signs and muscle tremors. Inthechronic form of the disease cows show a toxic liver damage and potentially a secondary photosensitisation. This is the form we diagnose more commonly based on liver histopathology. High water temperature, shallow water and high concentrations of nitrogen in the water pre-disposetoalgalblooms. Animals drinking near the edge of a pond are more predisposed as the algae and toxinsareconcentrated in the superficial layers. Another risk factor might be water troughs in fields that havebeenshut up for silage that then return to grazing where water troughs might need cleaning and water refreshed. Depending on how the rest of the summer’s weather goes the risks of this condition occurringmight behigher. To reduce the risk, please ensure that water troughs are cleaned out. If there are concernsaboutalgal blooms, livestock should be fenced off affected natural water supplies