The Toxic Blue-Green Algae Responsible For Killing Dogs Around The U.S. Has Been Found In North Dakota

Lakes around the United States have been affected by a harmful and sometimes deadly form of algae this summer. This has been making the news due to the unfortunate cases of multiple dog deaths due to ingesting water from the lakes. North Dakota residents should be aware that there are multiple lakes within the state that are under advisories and one lake that is under a warning for this algae. Be careful and be aware - this stuff should be completely avoided. Here's what we know:

Cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae, is a harmful algae that often blooms in lakes during hot summer weather. Sometimes, these blooms can last until the fall.

The algae is harmful if ingested and, sadly, sometimes fatal. Such is the case for multiple dogs across the US in recent weeks. People can also be affected by the algae, especially young children.

North Dakota has multiple lakes under advisories and warnings for blue-green algae currently. Lakes with advisories may have blooms in only certain parts of the lake, which should be avoided, but clear parts may still be safe for swimming.

Lakes under advisories in North Dakota currently include Patterson Lake in Stark County, Jamestown Dam in Stutsman County, the East Bay of Devils Lake in Ramsey and Benson Counties, as well as others. You can find an entire list on this page.

Lakes where the advisory is brought up to a warning are mostly covered in blue-green algae blooms and should be entirely avoided. It is advised not to swim in the water and to keep pets and children out of and away from it to prevent the chance of them ingesting the harmful water.

There is currently one lake under a blue-green algae warning in North Dakota as of mid-August, 2019, and that is Harmon Lake in Morton County. There are signs posted around the lake warning people to stay out of the water, and they should be heeded.

For more information and an up-to-date list of current advisories and warnings in North Dakota, visit this page. If you, your child, or your pet become sick after swimming in one of these lakes, you should call your doctor or veterinarian immediately.

In the meantime, you can visit other lakes in North Dakota that have not tested positive for blue-green algae and are safe to swim in. Here is a list of lakes that are perfect to visit.