CYANOBACTERIAL (BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE) POISONING OF LIVESTOCK IN THE WESTERN-CAPE-PROVINCE OF SOUTH-AFRICA

Three outbreaks of cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) poisoning involvi ng cattle and sheep are described. In 2 of these acute mortality was f ollowed by photodermatitis in some of the surviving animals. In all 3 outbreaks the hepatotoxicity of the water collected from the dams wher e the animals had been drinking was confirmed following the intraperit oneal administration to mice. Nodularia spumigena was the dominant cya nobacterium in the first 2 outbreaks, and Microcystis aeruginosa in th e third. The presence of the heptapeptide toxin microcystin-LR in the third outbreak was demonstrated by high pressure liquid chromatography .