Cyanobacteria
Expansive areas of photosynthesizing bluish-green cyanobacteria in lakes are called blooms. These blooms can contain toxins that can be harmful to both human and other animals’ health. A variety of state, local, and regional organizations are engaged in efforts to monitor for the presence of blooms and to alert the public when they are present.
Lake Champlain Sea Grant’s focus has been to educate the public about how to keep humans and dogs safe from cyanobacteria toxins. A short video is available below to help people understand how to recognize cyanobacteria blooms, health concerns that result from exposure, and how to keep your dog safe if it is exposed to a bloom.
More Resources
- Keeping Dogs Safe from Cyanobacteria Blooms (PDF): Adapted from a New York Sea Grant publication, this fact sheet focuses on Lake Champlain-area resources to help people identify and report blooms. Find links to state environmental and health agencies in Vermont and New York with information on bloom biology, origin, status, and reporting protocols.
- Public service announcement about cyanobacteria and dog safety (MP3): Cyanobacteria toxins can pose health threats to dogs. In this 3-minute audio file, learn how to keep your pets safe.
- Understanding Cyanobacteria (PDF): Learn more about cyanobacteria and how municipalities and individual property owners can help to reduce stormwater and pollutant runoff.