Kansas Ag News Headlines Hot, Dry Weather Boosts Likelihood of Blue-Green Algae Kansas Ag Connection - 07/16/2012 This summer's searing heat is causing a host of problems for landowners, including the threat of toxic cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, on lakes and ponds. "Blue-green algae can sicken or kill livestock and other animals, and also poses a threat to humans," said Kansas State University research assistant professor in agronomy, Carol Blocksome. "If blue-green algae are suspected, a water sample can be collected and sent to the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory." Blocksome, who is a range management specialist with K-State Research and Extension, collaborated with K-State colleagues Deon van der Merwe and Larry Hollis to produce a fact sheet, "Identification and Management of Blue-green Algae in Farm Ponds" http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/h20ql2/mf3065.pdf. Van der Merwe is a veterinary toxicologist with K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine and Larry Hollis is a beef veterinarian with K-State Research and Extension. Some of the tips in the fact sheet include: -- Take a sample where the algae is more likely to be present, such as the downwind side of a pond, and shallow areas that are warmer. -- Choose a clean container with a wide mouth. Rinse out the container with the pond water. Label the outside with the date and location. -- Scoop the water from the surface along with the scum. Be careful not to come into contact with the water by using a cup attached to a long stick, or by using gloves. -- Secure the lid, and put the sample into a plastic bag. Put the sample into a cooler with an ice pack, but don't freeze. -- Place the sample in a refrigerator, and then mail it by overnight express to the lab of choice. One option is the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Mosier D-117, 1800 Denison Ave., Manhattan, KS. 66506-5601. More information about the KSU Diagnostic Lab is at: https://www.vet.k-state.edu/. More information about blue-green algae is available also on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm; a related news release www.ksre.ksu.edu/news/story/bluegreen_algae062012.aspx; and a video http://youtu.be/ZRNWzFwKKjE. Send this article to a friend Other Kansas Headlines Kansas City Tour to Look Behind the Scenes of Agriculture Investments to Promote Business Development, Create Job KCA Welcomes New Board Members Kansas Ag Mediation Services Help Producers and Lenders Kansas Corn Farmers Make Great Planting Progress Senators Vow to Restore Integrity to Food Stamp Program KCA Recognizes Industry Leaders Copyright © 2013 - USAgNet.com. All Rights Reserved.