Cottonwood Connections June 2025 | Page 11

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Samples can be sent to the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (KSVDL) for analysis (address below).

Preventing exposure to blue-green algae toxins is very important during the summer months. There are some options for livestock producers if blue-green algae is suspected or has been identified. Of course, fencing off natural water sources and providing alternative water sources is the best option (well water, hauled water), but is typically financially limiting. Fencing off certain areas of the ponds (downwind portion of ponds) may help limit exposure. Improved watering areas, such as pipe-fed waterers, may also limit exposure as long as the water inlet is located in a low-risk area of the pond.

A submerged inlet in the center of the pond is an area where the cyanobacteria are unlikely to concentrate. Improved water sources like this will also help increase other water quality attributes. Controlled access and tank waterers decrease sediment, nutrients and fecal coliform bacteria from building up in the water source. Treatment of the water source with copper sulfate has historically been recommended. However, the copper accumulates in the pond, leading to other potential problems with plants and animals alike and is not recommended. Barley straw is also often discussed as a control measure. While the mechanism is unknown, barley straw may help reduce new blooms from forming but do not directly kill active blooms.

Monitoring of stock ponds during the summer months and having a plan in place to combat blue-green algae will help ensure the health and wellbeing of our herds. More information on water sampling can be found here:

https://bookstore.ksre.k-state.edu/pubs/identification-and-management-of-blue-green-algae-in-farm-ponds_MF3065.pdf.

Information regarding advisories, monitoring, and reporting of public waterway Harmful Algal Blooms within Kansas can be found here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/777/Harmful-Algal-Blooms

Water samples can be sent to the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab:

KSVDL

Mosier D-117

1800 Dension Ave.

Manhattan, KS 66506

phone –  785-532-5650