As summer has begun, Maryland Department of Natural Resources scientists caution the public to be vigilant about freshwater algae mats that can sometimes be a health hazard for dogs and other animals. Benthic algae mats are accumulations of algae that can vary in structure and appearance, but are often dense, green, and fibrous. Benthic cyanobacteria mats grow in both flowing and standing water such as rivers, creeks, reservoirs, lakes, and ponds, where they adhere to submerged rocks, plants, sand, shells, wood, and banks. Mats can also detach and float on the water surface, accumulate in eddies, or wash up on shore. Not all benthic algae mats are toxic, but mats containing toxins have been found in Maryland waters over the past two years. Mats containing toxins are harmful when ingested, therefore scientists urge dog owners to keep their dogs out of the water when potentially harmful mats are present. Mats can be green, yellow, brown, or black. There is no way to determine if a mat is toxic just by looking at it; lab analysis is required. Some benthic algae mats (those containing cyanobacteria) can produce potent neurotoxins including saxitoxin and anatoxin-a. Deaths from anatoxin-a exposure have been reported in […]
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