THE widespread detection of toxic blue-green algae in the Murray River catchment and some tributaries has prompted authorities to warn people to avoid contact with the water.
Streams within the Shire of Gannawarra are either directly affected by the outbreak or may be affected as the continuing hot weather provides ideal conditions for the spread of algal blooms.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has been using the Emergency Victoria website and mobile phone alerts to provide updates on the Murray River outbreak.
High levels of blue-green algae have been detected in the River Murray between Albury and Lake Mulwala and through to Torrumbarry Weir.
Parts of the Torrumbarry Irrigation Area and streams and irrigation channels east of the Loddon River are either affected or subject to an outbreak.
Towns within the affected area include Albury, Barmah, Cobram, Corowa, Echuca, Gunbower, Howlong, Moama, Nathalia, Torrumbarry, Wodonga and Yarrawonga
High levels of blue-green algae is potentially toxic to humans and animals.
Authorities have issued the following advice:
• For your safety, avoid direct contact with this water.
• High levels of blue-green algae do not always colour the water blue or green. The water can look yellow, brown, red, blue or green, or there may be no visible colour change at all.
• People who come into contact with affected water should wash affected skin immediately with cold clean water.
• Water supply from town water systems is safe to drink.
• People and pets should not enter the water.
• An alternative water supply should be sought for stock and pets.
• Do not use the affected water for cooking, drinking, washing or showering. Boiling the affected water will not make it safe for these purposes.
• Boating is still allowed. Fishing is still allowed.
The department said that anglers should take care while fishing. If you come into contact with affected water, rinse your skin in cold clean water.
Blue-green algae cells are known to accumulate in the digestive system of the fish. It is not clear if the toxins will build up in fish flesh, therefore personal discretion is advised. Should you decide to eat fish they should be washed thoroughly in unaffected water and only eat the flesh.
If you experience symptoms you should seek medical attention.
Health information:
Go to Health Victoria’s website for specific public health information : https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/water/blue-green-algae-cyanobacteria
Anyone with concerns about their health should seek medical advice or call Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24.
Visit http://www.g-mwater.com.au/bluegreenalgae-alert/ for the most recent blue-green algae alerts and public warnings
Useful Information:
Via www.emergency.vic.gov.au
Stay Informed:
Tune to ABC Local radio and commercial radio stations.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or if you have a speech/communication impairment you can contact VBIL via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
For help with English. call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VBIL. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.
MEANWHILE, livestock farmers and horticulturalists using irrigation water have been advised to be alert to recent warnings about some Murray River basin water supplies being contaminated with blue green algae.
The Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources has warned that toxic blue-green algal blooms can kill livestock and dangerously pollute fresh fruit and vegetables.
“If locally based livestock such as cows, sheep or horses consume the water contaminated by blue green algae it has the potential to kill large numbers in a very short period of time,” chief veterinary officer, Charles Milne said.
“Producers are advised to access alternative stock water supplies and avoid grazing pastures that have been irrigated using affected water.”
Director of horticulture services, Sze Flett said that irrigation water contaminated with blue-green algae should also not be spray irrigated on vegetables and fruit, or come in contact with plants being grown for food.
This is particularly important for fruit and vegetables that are likely to be eaten raw such as apples, grapes, tomatoes, strawberries, cabbages, lettuce and other salad greens.
Blue-green algal blooms usually appear as surface scum that looks like a suspension of green paint, or curdled green milk, and is often accompanied by an ‘earthy’ smell. However, the colour may range from pale green to dark brown.
In comparison, other non-toxic algal blooms may look like green mats and can be pulled from the dam in long strings and usually have no odour.
Areas particularly affected by the algal bloom include parts of the Torrumbarry Irrigation Area East of the Loddon River, waters between Lake Mulwala and Torrumbarry Weir, the Murray Valley Irrigation Area and Broken Creek.
“Livestock deaths occur when stock drink the toxins produced by blue green algae, usually when the toxins are concentrated on the down-wind side of a water supply to form a dense, surface scum,” Dr Milne said.
“Animals that have consumed the toxin will appear ill rapidly, developing a staggered gait, collapse and then begin to convulse and die, usually within 24 hours.”
Few animals survive blue green algae poisoning. Those that don’t die immediately, usually suffer severe liver damage. This may lead to the development of jaundice, or severe photosensitisation over the next few days.
Stock that do recover from these ailments then suffer from chronic ill-thrift.
“There is no treatment for affected animals, therefore producers and stock managers need to keep a close eye on their stock’s water supply, checking daily for toxic blooms.
“If a suspicious bloom is noticed, stock should be removed from the contaminated water source as quickly as possible, and accurate identification of algae should be sought,” he said.
Chemical water treatments that cause algal cells to break down or die are not recommended, as these treatments allow the release of pre-formed toxins into the water, potentially making the water even more toxic to stock.
Laboratory testing of the water supply for the presence of blue-green algae, and a post-mortem examination of dead or sick animals by a veterinarian will confirm blue-green algal poisoning.
• For further advice please contact your local veterinarian or a department veterinary or animal health officer, the Horticulture Centre of Excellence or, in New South Wales, your Local Land Services.
