Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can produce toxins that are harmful to livestock, wildlife and people.

Blue-green algae often occurs in stagnant ponds or dugouts with elevated nutrient levels, forming large colonies that appear as scum on or just below the water surface, according to Carl Dahlen, North Dakota State University Extension Service beef cattle specialist. Live cyanobacteria are green and turn blue after they die and dry on the water surface or shoreline.

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