Blue-green algae killing Sask. livestock

At least 50 cattle and buffalo have died in the Dinsmore-Wiseton area of west-central Saskatchewanafter drinking dug-out water contaminated with blue-green algae.

Wiseton livestock producerKevin Facca said although none of his cattle have died, his brother has lost nearly 20 animals this month.

"Right now we are trying to treat the dug-outs and move the cattle to different pastures to keep them from dying," Facca told CBC News Tuesday.

"Neighbouring pastures have had losses as well, but it is all in one area where there has been a lot of heavy rainfall as well. There's one neighbour that's lost up to 30 buffalo."

Blue-green algae, which is actually a bacteria,releases a variety of toxins, including cyanide, says Bob Klemmer, a beef specialist with the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Moose Jaw.

The algae damages the liver and can kill livestock within minutes, he said.

Earlier this summer, the province issued a warningabout the dangers of blue-green algae.