Can blue-green algae make humans and animals sick?
It is possible for blue-green algae to cause illness in humans and animals. Certain species of blue-green algae are capable of producing several different toxins that can affect the skin, liver, heart, gastrointestinal tract, nerves and muscles. The symptoms in humans include: rashes, headaches, fevers, gastroenteritis, seizures and respiratory failure. Animals most often contact contaminated water from affected farm dams. People may be exposed to these toxins through contact with the skin (e.g., when swimming), through inhalation (e.g., when near irrigation sprays, motor boating or water skiing), or by swallowing contaminated water. It is also possible for blue-green algae to contaminate the surface of leaves and the surfaces of fruit and vegetables which, if not washed off, could cause illness.
