Algal toxicosis

Because the term “algal toxicosis” encompasses a significant number of toxic agents, this technical card will focus on specific toxins most relevant to wildlife species.  While the term “algae” encompasses a wide range of species, this technical card will focus on harmful algal blooms (HABs) that produce toxins causing clinical signs in animals. HABs are defined as excessive growth of algal species that produce toxins in aquatic environments. These algal species include diatoms, dinoflagellates, and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae, class Cyanophyceae), with the latter being the most common and dangerous to wildlife species.