Natural event could pose risks in irrigation water for livestock and pets

A bloom of cyanotoxin algae was reported in Emigrant Lake just days before Talent Irrigation District began its irrigation season May 5. Owners of livestock may want to exercise caution before using the water for their animals due to the presence of cylindrospermopsin and microcystins in cyanotoxin algae, according to the Oregon Health Authority. 

Tim Heider, public health communications officer for the OHA, said such toxins can pose a threat to humans and animals. “Not all blooms are harmful,” he said, “but OHA is aware that some cyanobacteria can produce cyanotoxins that can cause serious illness or death in pets, livestock and wildlife, in addition to human health impacts.”

An OHA publication says that cylindrospermopsin and microcystins “are a risk to livestock and pets. Those with pets and small livestock should consider providing them bottled or water from an alternate source instead. Large livestock are likely to have enough mass that there should not be an issue with them.

“Contact a veterinarian if animals show signs of illness,” the document says. 

“Cyanotoxin Health Advisory for All Consumers: Frequently Asked Questions,” was published by the OHA in 2019. 

Boiling water won’t eliminate toxins

Boiling water does not eliminate and in fact might increase the concentration of cyanotoxins, the OHA advisory document says. Only reverse-osmosis treatment units and special carbon treatment units certified to remove microcystins are known to successfully remove these toxins, the document says. Cyanotoxins are produced by blue-green algae.

Using irrigation water with the toxins present is probably safe for plants, the document says. “Because the volume of water likely to be left on the edible surfaces of plants from irrigation at the time of consumption would be very small, it is also very unlikely a person could get a harmful dose from eating the plant.”

The water can be used for cleaning of hands, clothes, dishes and bathing. But bottled water should be used for tooth brushing. Items children may put in their mouths should be rinsed with an alternative water source, the document says. 

Talent Irrigation District started its season the week of May 5. Water is being slowly released into prepared canals to prevent canal failure and allow pressurized lines to slowly charge, according to the Talent Irrigation District website. Emigrant Lake is a source of TID water.

“The district does not have any information other than what we have heard from the public,” Wanda Derry, manager of the Talent Irrigation District, said in an email. 

The agency to contact is the Oregon Health Authority, Derry said. Two phone calls, a voicemail and an email to the OHA from Ashland.news have not yet been answered. 

The initial release from the OHA regarding the toxins was a recreational use advisory describing potential hazards for those recreating on or around Emigrant Lake. 

Cyanotoxin symptoms

Cyanotoxins can cause a range of health symptoms. Some are similar to food poisoning, with symptoms that can include stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. More serious symptoms include numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. Anyone enduring such symptoms should seek medical attention. Symptoms exhibited in dogs may include weakness, lethargy and difficulty walking, seizures or loss of appetite, the release said. 

A request for comment from the Oregon Department for Environmental Quality was not immediately answered. 

Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at morganr@ashland.news. This story first appeared at Ashland.news.