BLUE-GREEN-ALGAE TOXICOSIS IN CATTLE

Microcystin-LR is a cyclic heptapeptide produced by blue-green algae ( Microcystis spp) and can induce acute, potentially lethal hepatotoxico sis in mammals and birds. Blue-green algae toxicosis should be conside red in animals with histologic evidence of intrahepatic hemorrhage, he patic enlargement, and disassociation and necrosis of hepatocytes. Hig h-pressure liquid chromatography of water and ingesta for microcystin- LR can be used to establish a definitive diagnosis of blue-green algae toxicosis.