Agriculture Victoria is urging farmers to be on the lookout for blue-green algae blooms in water their livestock might drink.
Senior Veterinary Officer Dianne Phillips warned that algal ingestion can result in swift deaths:
“As there is no specific treatment for blue-green algae poisoning, producers should check standing bodies of water and farm water supplies daily for blooms, as this remains the most effective way of preventing stock deaths.
“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.”
Agriculture Victoria advises that livestock that ingest algal toxin could appear ill rapidly, with a staggering gait and may collapse, convulse and or die as swiftly as within 24 hours. Even survivors could suffer liver damage and resultant jaundice and/or ill-thrift.
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