Brown, John F.

Gearheart, Robert A.

Meyer, Richard L.

English

ScholarWorks@UARK

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of ScienceVolume 23 Article 301969Cattle Poisoning Related to the Blue-Green AlgaPolycystis aeruginosa KutzRichard L. MeyerUniversity of Arkansas, FayettevilleJohn F. BrownUniversity of Arkansas, FayettevilleRobert A. GearheartUniversity of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaasPart of the Zoology CommonsThis article is available for use under the Creative Commons license: Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0). Users are able toread, download, copy, print, distribute, search, link to the full texts of these articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking priorpermission from the publisher or the author.This Article is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of the Arkansas Academyof Science by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact scholar@uark.edu, ccmiddle@uark.edu.Recommended CitationMeyer, Richard L.; Brown, John F.; and Gearheart, Robert A. (1969) "Cattle Poisoning Related to the Blue-Green Alga Polycystisaeruginosa Kutz," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 23 , Article 30.Available at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol23/iss1/30174Arkansas Academy of Science Proceedings, Vol. 23, 1969CATTLE POISONING RELATED TO THEBLUE-GREEN ALGA, POLYCYSTIS AERUGINOSAKUTZ.Richard L.Meyer, Department of Botany and BacteriologyJohn F. Brown, Department of Animal ScienceRobert A. Gearheart, Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Arkansas, FayettevilleNumerous isolated incidents of animal poisoning by toxic algaehave been reported in the literature (Gorham, 1962, Kingsbury,1964). However, this condition is not generally represented in humanor veterinary medical clinical texts.The aforementioned episode involved 16 cattle deaths in twoherds near Fayetteville, Arkansas, one in which another toxic ma-terial (an organophosphate compound) was in use in a researchproject and was suspected as the lethal agent. Poisoning by thephosphate material was ruled out on the basis of extensive exper-ience with these compounds by one of the authors (J. F. B.). In thesearch for the cause of the illness, high concentrations of blue-greenalgae were found in the water supply for the cattle.As a result of these incidents, a preliminary research projecthas begun to further investigate the potential implications of thisisolated suspected algal poisoning episode. Limnological.. phycologicaland clinical investigations are incorporated in the research program.A concise presentation of the occurrence, etiology, clinicalfindings, and control of algal poisoning in animals follows.OCCURRENCEA usually acute and highly fatal disease of animals resultsfrom drinking water containing high concentrations of toxic strainsof blue-green algae. Extensive loss of life and severe sickness oflivestock, pets, wild animals and humans have been associated withalgal blooms in the northern half of the U. S. (also in Texas), thesouthern provinces of Canada, Russia, Argentine, Australia, SouthAfrica and other countries.Poisoning does not occur unless there is a dense bloom of toxicmaterial. The factors leading to the formation of such blooms includewarm sunny weather, ample nutrients (especially nitrates), and agentle prevailing wind which drifts and collects the algae against thewindward shore. Such conditions commonly occur during the summermonths in drainage ponds and lakes used for watering livestock.174Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 23 [1969], Art. 30Published by Arkansas Academy of Science, 1969175Cattle Poisoning by Blue-Green AlgaeETIOLOGYEarly studies indicated the primary toxic principle to be analkaloid which affects the central nervous system and liver. Asecondary toxic principle was described to be algal phycobilin pig-ments which accumulate in the skin oi animals with a resultant in-crease in photo sensitivity.More recent research discounts the alkaloidal nature of thetoxic principle and incriminates a seven-amino acid cyclic polypeptidewhich produces rapid toxic symptomatology. In general, the crudetoxic principle has the following characteristics: Itcan exist outsidethe cells in the water around the algae; it passes through cellophaneand animal membranes by dialysis; it is non-volatile; it is relativelyheat stable; it is soluble in water, alcohol (95% or less) and acetone,it is resistant to extreme pH changes. Several toxic fractions havebeen obtained by chromatographic procedures and one of these maybe identified by a characteristic absorption curve having an almostcomplete absorption from 210-290 millimicrons. This fraction pro-duces paralytic sysmptoms in mice and is lethal to 20 gram mice ata dosage of 0.7 mg.CLINICAL FINDINGSToxic symptoms appear rapidly, usually within 15 to 45 minutes,after ingestion of poisonous material. Poisoning proceeds rupidlyand is severe; death is common, occurring in less than 24 hours,often within one or two hours. The most commonly reported sequenceof events are rapid prostration, convulsions and death; although con-vulsive signs are not always marked. Abdominal pain, musculartremors, dyspnea, cyanosis and excessive salivation are commonlyreported. A moderate number of cases have shown severe gastro-intestinal manifestations including diarrhea, bloody feces, andicterus. Photosensitization frequently occurs in animals who survivefor several days.CONTROLRemoval of all animals from the affected water supply is anessential first step to all other measures. Algae growth may be sup-pressed with copper sulfate or other algacide treatment, but doesnot remove the toxin already present in the water. Ifno other watersupply is available, animals should be allowed to drink from theclearest part of the water source opposite the windward shore(wind currents tend to blow and accumulate algal growth on thewindward shore).It is essential that animals dying from algae poisoning notbe used for food as the toxic principle is quite stable and consistantlyproduces toxic symptoms in the consumer. This is especially truewith respect to the liver of diseased animals. 175Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 23 [1969], Art. 30http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol23/iss1/30176Arkansas Academy of Science ProceedingsTREATMENTFollowing removal from the contaminated water supply, af-fected animals should be placed in a relatively protected holdingarea, especially out of direct sunlight. Ample quantities of waterand excellent quality feed should be made easily available. Mild tomoderate laxatives may be used to move the toxic material out ofthe body (Caution: Affected animals are usually very weak and aminimum of violent procedures should be employed). In vomitinganimals, an emetic may be used to good effect.Even though the alkaloidal nature of the toxin has been dis-counted, 1 to 2 oz of sodium thiosulfate intravenously or orallyseems to be of benefit. In surviving animals, a long recuperationperiod is to be expected before normal production is resumed.kit is anticipated that initial research findngs of the presentudy will justify a more intensive investigative effort of the pre-ously described phenomenon.LITERATURE CITEDGorham, P., 1962Toxic Algae in "The Biochemistry and Physiology of the Algae".R. A. Lewin, Ed. Academic Press. New York, pp 307335.Kingsbury, J. M., 1964Algae in "Poisonour Plants of the United States and Canada".Prentice-Hall, New York, pp 626.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe supportive funds for this research were granted underthe auspices of the National Institutes of Health grant No. FR-07101-02.176Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 23 [1969], Art. 30Published by Arkansas Academy of Science, 1969

Cattle Poisoning Related to the Blue-Green Alga Polycystis aeruginosa Kutz

UARK (University of Arkansas )

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science Volume 23 Article 30 1969 Cattle Poisoning Related to the Blue-Green Alga Polycystis aeruginosa Kutz Richard L. Meyer University of Arkansas, Fayetteville John F. Brown University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Robert A. Gearheart University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas  Part of the Zoology Commons Recommended Citation Meyer, Richard L.; Brown, John F.; and Gearheart, Robert A. (1969) "Cattle Poisoning Related to the Blue-Green Alga Polycystis aeruginosa Kutz," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 23 , Article 30. Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol23/iss1/30 This article is available for use under the Creative Commons license: Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0). Users are able to read, download, copy, print, distribute, search, link to the full texts of these articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact scholar@uark.edu. 174Arkansas Academy of Science Proceedings, Vol. 23, 1969CATTLE POISONING RELATED TO THEBLUE-GREEN ALGA, POLYCYSTIS AERUGINOSAKUTZ.Richard L.Meyer, Department of Botany and BacteriologyJohn F. Brown, Department of Animal ScienceRobert A. Gearheart, Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of Arkansas, FayettevilleNumerous isolated incidents of animal poisoning by toxic algaehave been reported in the literature (Gorham, 1962, Kingsbury,1964). However, this condition is not generally represented in humanor veterinary medical clinical texts.The aforementioned episode involved 16 cattle deaths in twoherds near Fayetteville, Arkansas, one in which another toxic ma-terial (an organophosphate compound) was in use in a researchproject and was suspected as the lethal agent. Poisoning by thephosphate material was ruled out on the basis of extensive exper-ience with these compounds by one of the authors (J. F. B.). In thesearch for the cause of the illness, high concentrations of blue-greenalgae were found in the water supply for the cattle.As a result of these incidents, a preliminary research projecthas begun to further investigate the potential implications of thisisolated suspected algal poisoning episode. Limnological.. phycologicaland clinical investigations are incorporated in the research program.A concise presentation of the occurrence, etiology, clinicalfindings, and control of algal poisoning in animals follows.OCCURRENCEA usually acute and highly fatal disease of animals resultsfrom drinking water containing high concentrations of toxic strainsof blue-green algae. Extensive loss of life and severe sickness oflivestock, pets, wild animals and humans have been associated withalgal blooms in the northern half of the U. S. (also in Texas), thesouthern provinces of Canada, Russia, Argentine, Australia, SouthAfrica and other countries.Poisoning does not occur unless there is a dense bloom of toxicmaterial. The factors leading to the formation of such blooms includewarm sunny weather, ample nutrients (especially nitrates), and agentle prevailing wind which drifts and collects the algae against thewindward shore. Such conditions commonly occur during the summermonths in drainage ponds and lakes used for watering livestock.174Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 23 [1969], Art. 30Published by Arkansas Academy of Science, 1969175Cattle Poisoning by Blue-Green AlgaeETIOLOGYEarly studies indicated the primary toxic principle to be analkaloid which affects the central nervous system and liver. Asecondary toxic principle was described to be algal phycobilin pig-ments which accumulate in the skin oi animals with a resultant in-crease in photo sensitivity.More recent research discounts the alkaloidal nature of thetoxic principle and incriminates a seven-amino acid cyclic polypeptidewhich produces rapid toxic symptomatology. In general, the crudetoxic principle has the following characteristics: Itcan exist outsidethe cells in the water around the algae; it passes through cellophaneand animal membranes by dialysis; it is non-volatile; it is relativelyheat stable; it is soluble in water, alcohol (95% or less) and acetone,it is resistant to extreme pH changes. Several toxic fractions havebeen obtained by chromatographic procedures and one of these maybe identified by a characteristic absorption curve having an almostcomplete absorption from 210-290 millimicrons. This fraction pro-duces paralytic sysmptoms in mice and is lethal to 20 gram mice ata dosage of 0.7 mg.CLINICAL FINDINGSToxic symptoms appear rapidly, usually within 15 to 45 minutes,after ingestion of poisonous material. Poisoning proceeds rupidlyand is severe; death is common, occurring in less than 24 hours,often within one or two hours. The most commonly reported sequenceof events are rapid prostration, convulsions and death; although con-vulsive signs are not always marked. Abdominal pain, musculartremors, dyspnea, cyanosis and excessive salivation are commonlyreported. A moderate number of cases have shown severe gastro-intestinal manifestations including diarrhea, bloody feces, andicterus. Photosensitization frequently occurs in animals who survivefor several days.CONTROLRemoval of all animals from the affected water supply is anessential first step to all other measures. Algae growth may be sup-pressed with copper sulfate or other algacide treatment, but doesnot remove the toxin already present in the water. Ifno other watersupply is available, animals should be allowed to drink from theclearest part of the water source opposite the windward shore(wind currents tend to blow and accumulate algal growth on thewindward shore).It is essential that animals dying from algae poisoning notbe used for food as the toxic principle is quite stable and consistantlyproduces toxic symptoms in the consumer. This is especially truewith respect to the liver of diseased animals. 175Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 23 [1969], Art. 30https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol23/iss1/30176Arkansas Academy of Science ProceedingsTREATMENTFollowing removal from the contaminated water supply, af-fected animals should be placed in a relatively protected holdingarea, especially out of direct sunlight. Ample quantities of waterand excellent quality feed should be made easily available. Mild tomoderate laxatives may be used to move the toxic material out ofthe body (Caution: Affected animals are usually very weak and aminimum of violent procedures should be employed). In vomitinganimals, an emetic may be used to good effect.Even though the alkaloidal nature of the toxin has been dis-counted, 1 to 2 oz of sodium thiosulfate intravenously or orallyseems to be of benefit. In surviving animals, a long recuperationperiod is to be expected before normal production is resumed.kitis anticipated that initial research findngs of the presentudy will justify a more intensive investigative effort of the pre-ously described phenomenon.LITERATURE CITEDGorham, P., 1962Toxic Algae in "The Biochemistry and Physiology of the Algae".R. A. Lewin, Ed. Academic Press. New York, pp 307335.Kingsbury, J. M., 1964Algae in "Poisonour Plants of the United States and Canada".Prentice-Hall, New York, pp 626.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe supportive funds for this research were granted underthe auspices of the National Institutes of Health grant No. FR-07101-02.176Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 23 [1969], Art. 30Published by Arkansas Academy of Science, 1969

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Cattle Poisoning Related to the Blue-Green Alga Polycystis aeruginosa Kutz

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