Potentially Deadly Bacteria Now Present In North Dakota Lakes

I never thought much about blue-green algae until my Yellow Labrador retriever Callie became very sick.

I certainly was aware that blue-green algae, otherwise known as cyanobacteria could be dangerous to dogs & humans. However, I didn't realize that this could be a problem even into the fall.

My incident happened while duck hunting on Stump Lake in northeast North Dakota four years ago.  It was early November and it had been a warm fall.  Stump Lake and Devils Lake are both known for their blue-green algae blooms in the summer.

I should have noticed that blue-green algae was still very present on the shores of the lake that morning, but I didn't. 

After several retrieves, my pup Callie didn't seem herself.  She became lethargic, started vomiting, had diarrhea, and was coughing uncontrollably.  It was a scary moment, and I knew I had to do something.

We made a trip to the vet, and thankfully they were able to treat her. Big lesson learned for me and my best friend.

Dogs and humans can become dangerously sick when cyanobacteria is ingested.

According to the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, exposure to toxins produced by blue-green algae can be life-threatening to dogs, humans, and other animals. It can rapidly become fatal. Preventing exposure is the most effective way to avoid this deadly toxin.

Potentially deadly blue-green algae blooms in water when warm stagnant water forms, during warm weather spells, or after periods with a noticeable lack of rain.  Blue-green algae may appear as either blue-green or red-brown colored blooms, mats, foam, or scum on the water.

It also smells nasty (like rotting plant material).  It's pretty easy to spot.

Several North Dakota lakes and bodies of water have blue-green algae outbreaks right now.

With our current heatwave, you can bet more waters will be added soon to this list from the North Dakota Environmental Quality.  Blue-green algae has been observed in the following notable North Dakota lakes and advisories and warnings have been issued.

Lake Brekken-McLean County.

Devils Lake-Ramsey County.

Bowman Haley Dam-Bowman County.

Spiritwood Lake-Stutsman County.

Green Lake-McIntosh County

Jamestown Reservoir-Stutsman County.

You can see the full list of lakes affected here.