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Posted in New Hampshire August 16, 2019 by Michelle

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

If you’ve been keeping up with the news you’ve likely heard about the number of pets who have been killed by exposure to harmful algae found in places like North Carolina and Texas. While it’s seemed like this would be relegated to other parts of the country, New Hampshire has just joined the list of states affected by it.

Cyanobacteria is the official name of this harmful algae bloom that thrives in warmer water. That’s why we typically see these advisories in the summer months.

If you’re not an expert, it might seem like lakes and rivers have a lot of seemingly foreign materials floating in them. But, things like branches and other biomaterials like this are nothing to worry about. You’ll know this bacteria by its blue-green color.

And you’ll want to avoid it at all costs, particularly if you’re with children or pets.

The first waterway to be placed under advisory was Jones Pond in New Durham on July 11th. The most recent advisory is for Province Lake in Wakefield.

To date, there have been seven waterways in New Hampshire placed under advisory. They are Jones Pond and Marsh Pond in New Durham, Keyser Pond in Henniker, Silver Lake in Hollis, Jericho Lake in Berlin, Mirror Lake in Tuftonboro and Hunkins Pond in Sanbornton.

Coming into contact with the toxic algae can cause skin irritations, rashes, and some gastrointestinal illnesses. The symptoms are likely to be even more pronounced in children and pets.

While we do know where the specific advisories are, officials have urged people to be mindful of any standing bodies of water. Before swimming always do a check for discolored water or "froth" that has a bluish color to it.

If you do come into contact with the bacteria, wash it off with clean water as soon as you can.

If you do feel symptoms of contact, you should contact your doctor or veterinarian immediately.

Don’t forget that fish can also be affected. If you fish in any water that might be affected by toxic algae, always clean the filet well before cooking at a high temperature.

To keep track of the New Hampshire cyanobacteria advisories, check out the official state website here.

If you’ve been affected by any of the algae blooms this summer, we’d love to hear your experience. Tell us about it in the comments below.

Michelle

Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: [email protected]