06/24/2026
With the height of summer ahead and water continuing to get warmer, it is important to monitor ponds around town and the Cape for cyanobacteria.
🔺What are cyanobacteria?
- Cyanobacteria are microorganisms related to bacteria that are able to photosynthesize and commonly found in freshwater where they can rapidly multiple causing harmful blooms. You can identify it by the characteristic blue-green color looking like algae.
🔺Why is it important to know about?
- According to the CDC, certain common cyanobacteria genera can produce toxins known as cyanotoxins which can be harmful to humans and pets.
- Pet exposure can be from drinking pond water or grooming after swimming. Due to lower body masses, pets are more susceptible to impacts at lower concentrations than adult humans.
- Pets exposed to suspected cyanotoxins should be rapidly assessed by a veterinarian as it can lead to serious health risks.
🔺The Association to Preserve Cape Cod has created an interactive map of tested bodies of water. Please check the map before allowing your pets near the water.
https://apcc.org/our-work/science/community-science/cyanobacteria/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSnTKhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81MTQ3NzE1NjkyMjgwNjEAAR4dqyaGkkGhf5S3aVgQMdQIb2zooTq9ePAXBn1ctH9hViBrwKfqKBCQlrynBA_aem_YWdncwIjhgdY5-KyZ7l9lSYR7lE-
Cyanobacteria
