Public Health Advisory Still in Effect
DEQ continues to monitor the north end of Haden Lake, keeping an eye on the cyanobacteria bloom that lead to the Panhandle Health District-issued advisory on July 27th. For the advisory to be lifted, PHD requires two consecutive data points from DEQ testing that show low concentrations of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins – and that hasn’t happened yet.
Keep in mind that cyanobacteria survival requires a phosphorus-heavy nutrient mix and warm temperatures. (See “When Will it End?“) Even though the days are getting shorter and cooler, you might be surprised to learn that this is the time of year when cyanobacteria blooms surge. We won’t have enough rain to upset the HAB-favorable nutrient balance nor enough cooling to put a definitive end to the bloom until well into October!
Click here to learn more about cyanobacteria and the bloom phenomena.
Protect Your Loved Ones – Including Your Animals
It is as important now as at the start of the bloom to make sure everyone stays safely away from the potentially toxic areas – including pets and livestock. Follow these tips from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Animal Safety Alert.
Do not let them drink the water.
Even if the cyanobacteria is hard to see, there could still be harmful amounts of toxins in the water.
Do not let them eat or play with dead animals found near the bloom.
Given the bloom’s toxic qualities, no animals are safe, not even wildlife. Allowing pets to eat suspicious leftovers near a bloom increases their risk of getting poisoned too.
Do not let them eat mats of cyanobacteria.
It isn’t just dead animals either. The smell and taste of the muck may be tantalizing – and toxic.
Do not let them eat near the water.
It’s better to be safe than sorry. Animals should be fed away from the lake, to avoid any chance of exposure.
Do not let them swim or play in the water
or the muck. If direct contact happens, wash them off immediately with clean water.
Do not let them lick their fur and paws after being in the water.
Should they end up near the water, prevent them from licking any possible cyanobacteria off of their fur.
If your animal appears to get sick after contacting infested water, please seek veterinary help or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.