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N.D.  – The North Dakota Departments of Health and Agriculture Animal Health Division, have issued a blue-green algae advisory for Lake Ashtabula north of Valley City after a dog died from ingesting the water.

The health department issued an advisory that states people and animals should avoid areas in Lake Ashtabula where blue green algae blooms are occurring.

The NDDoH, Barnes County Emergency Management, and the US Army Corps of Engineers are posting signs around the lake to advise swimmers, fishermen, water skiers and others to avoid contact with bloom areas.

Bald Hill Dam Resource Manager Rich Schueneman closed the swimming area of Lake Ashtabula on August 31st. He said the water will be tested again on September 1st to determine if it should be closed for another day.

Barnes County Emergency Manager Sue Lloyd said one dog died and another dog remains ill after the two consumed water over the weekend in Lake Ashtabula.

North Dakota Department of Health Division of Water Quality spokesman Mike Ell said livestock producers need to be advised about the bad affects the water could have on their animals if Blue Green Algae is active in their area of Lake Ashtabula.

He said,  “A bloom can be present at one location or along one shoreline one day and be gone the next.” Ell added that fish caught in Lake Ashtabula are o.k. to be consumed despite the advisory issued as of August 31st.

The production of blue-green algae often happens during hot weather in bodies of water that are used by people, pets, and livestock. Blue-green algae discolor the water they live in, and can cause foam, scum, or mats to appear on the surface. Blue-green algae can also produce cyanotoxins which are dangerous for both people and animals.

Exposure from ingesting affected water can cause illness in people and animals, and can result in death. There are no known antidotes for the toxins. People and animals that swallow water containing cyanotoxins can become sick with severe diarrhea and vomiting; numb lips; tingling fingers and toes; dizziness; or rashes, hives, or skin blisters.

Children are at higher risk than adults for illness because their smaller size can allow them to get a relatively larger dose of toxin.