Blooms of toxic cyanobacteria are responsible for illnesses and deaths of dogs, livestock, and wildlife every year in California. Veterinarians may be presented with animals suspected of having been exposed to these harmful algal blooms (HABs). The California Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Bloom (CCHAB) Network of the California Water Quality Monitoring Council, in conjunction with CalEPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and the California Department of Public Health, has prepared a fact sheet to assist veterinarians to respond to incidents of suspected HAB exposure among domestic animals. The fact sheet provides veterinarians with technical information on assessing exposure history, evaluating clinical signs, pursuing diagnosis and confirmatory testing, patient management, and reporting to proper authorities. The fact sheet also provides information on applying for funds available exclusively to CVMA members to cover costs for testing at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory. The fact sheet is available on the California HABs Portal at https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/what/index.html.
Cyanotoxin Resources Available for Veterinarians (July/Aug 2018 CV article)