Hot weather increases the risk of cyanobacteria poisoning in livestock, also known as blue-green algae. The North Dakota Department of Health has posted advisories for lakes in Golden Valley, McIntosh, Burleigh and Morton Counties. In addition, several water samples submitted to the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab have tested positive for the bacteria. The cause of cyanobacteria is nutrient buildup within water bodies. “Fencing off or limiting that water can help with that,” says NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist Miranda Meehan. “Also, perennial plants or buffer strips can help trap nutrients before they enter the water. Potentially contaminated water can also be pumped offsite into a tank.”