Vol. 12, No. 8, August 2016 |
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Toxic Blue-Green Algae Impacts Florida’s Waterways, Killing Animals, Fish, and Wildlife
Recently, the issue of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and its potential impacts to the environment, natural resources, and public health has earned much attention in the U.S. Common in most of Florida's aquatic environments, many cyanobacteria species are capable of producing harmful toxins (cyanotoxins).
Cyanobacteria can cause unsightly blooms; cause taste and odor problems in public water supplies and can kill domestic animals, pets, and fish and wildlife that drink or are otherwise exposed to untreated contaminated water or toxic biota.
Although a major focus for public health officials is cyanotoxins in drinking water supplies, increased concern for the possible risk for human illness through recreational exposure is on the rise.
In 2005, the Florida Department of Health issued health advisories recommending people and their pets refrain from recreational use or contact with blue-green algae blooms in both the St. Johns River (Duval, Clay, and St. Johns counties) and the St. Lucie River (Martin County from the Okeechobee Canal to the St. Lucie Inlet).
In recent years, publicity over blue-green algae has led to the FWC receiving enquiries from the public concerned about human health risks and whether fish are safe to eat from affected areas.
There are three main types of cyanotoxins in Florida's freshwater systems: hepatotoxins (affecting the liver), neurotoxins (affecting the nervous system), or dermatotoxins (causing topical skin irritations).
To date, very few cases of human illness related cyanobacteria incidents have been reported in the U.S. In Florida's freshwater systems, some toxic cyanobacteria such as Microcystis, commonly form blooms that can, on occasion, appear in lakes and rivers and in reservoir waters destined for drinking water use. These water treatment plants are designed to remove bad odors and taste associated with blue-green algae blooms and to extract toxins from the source water.
Recreational exposure by direct contact with a cyanobacteria bloom from activities such as jet-skiing, boating, and swimming have been reported to cause hay fever-like symptoms and dermal reactions at high concentrations. Ingesting contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal distress.
The risks of cyanotoxins to natural resources remain relatively unknown. Health problems may occur in animals if they are chronically exposed to fresh water with cyanotoxins.
Livestock and domestic animals can be poisoned by drinking contaminated water, and fish and bird deaths have been reported in Florida water bodies with persistent cyanobacteria blooms.
For More Information http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/health-disease/other-wildlife/cyanobacteria/
The Rescue Dogs That Protect Florida’s $120 Billion Agriculture Industry
Protecting Florida's $120 billion agriculture industry requires an integrated approach, including the expertise of several four-legged helpers. During the dog days of summer, FDACS is showcasing its lesser-known staff members — rescue dogs trained to detect invasive pests and disease.
“Dogs' keen sense of smell is a crucial tool for our early detection efforts to identify invasive pests and disease that could threaten Florida's agriculture industry,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.
Among the many tools the department employs to detect, monitor and eradicate pests and disease are six working dogs. From patrolling private parcel facilities to distinguishing giant African land snails (GALS) from 130 other types of terrestrial snails for eradication, these dogs work every day to protect and defend Florida's agriculture industry. Some recent noteworthy discoveries include: olive fruit fly larvae, root mealybugs, GALS and other unauthorized plant materials.
Here is more information on the dogs that defend the agriculture industry:
Audi is a six-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever rescue dog who patrols parcel facilities in Orlando, Tampa and Miami.
Audi and Greg Farina at the Epcot Flower Show
Jammer is a six-year-old Labrador Retriever who patrols private parcel facilities, primarily in South Florida.
Jammer on duty in a parcel facility
Kojak is a seven-year-old Labrador Retriever-mix rescue dog who inspects parcel facilities in Ft. Myers, Tampa and Orlando for invasive pests and disease.
Sierra is a four-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever rescue dog who single-handedly quadrupled the number of live giant African land snails found on a property following a snail outbreak in Broward County.
Sierra and Omar celebrating a giant African land snail find
Access a video of Sierra and Bear detecting giant African land snails.
Verde is an eight-year-old Labrador Retriever who works in Miami, Hollywood, Homestead and Miramar postal facilities to detect invasive pests. Verde recently helped discover a scale insect species native to Africa that is potentially new to science.
For more information, please visit http://www.freshfromflorida.com/News-Events/Press-Releases/2016-Press-Releases/The-Rescue-Dogs-That-Protect-Florida-s-120-Billion-Agriculture-Industry
For More Information http://www.freshfromflorida.com/News-Events/Press-Releases/2016-Press-Releases/Commissioner-Adam-H.-Putnam-Tours-Department-s-Zika-Testing-Laboratory
FDA Takes Action against Zika Virus
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is engaged with partners across the U.S. Government, the private sector, and the international community—including the World Health Organization and ANVISA (the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency)—to help minimize the impact of the Zika virus outbreak.
Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Most people never know that they have been infected with the virus.
It is estimated that four out of five people with Zika virus infections have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Even in those who develop symptoms, the illness is usually mild, with symptoms lasting from several days to a week.
Prior to 2015, Zika virus outbreaks had occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. However, in May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert (PDF, 199 KB) regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. Currently, outbreaks are occurring in many countries.
As of June 14, 2016, no locally transmitted Zika virus disease cases have been reported in the Continental United States, but imported cases have been reported in returning travelers. These imported cases could potentially result in local spread of the virus in some areas of the United States. Locally transmitted Zika virus has been reported in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and, most recently, American Samoa.