CLIFTON PARK Mushrooms deadly to pets and people Poisonous fungi are proliferating in rainy conditions BY CARI SCRIBNER Gazette Reporter
Rainy days and cool nights this summer have spawned an unusually large crop of poisonous mushrooms that have sickened at least three local dogs, one fatally. Experts are warning people to be on the lookout for one of the most dangerous species, the Amanita, commonly known as “Death Cap” or “Destroying Angel,” because of its resemblance to a large white flower. Although not posing a risk if smelled or touched, the mushroom can be fatal — even in the smallest doses — when eaten by animals or people, according to health officials. Late summer is the typical start to the growing season for mushrooms, but this year’s crop arrived early and in greater numbers than usual, according to agricultural scientists. “There are mushroom species out there that haven’t been showing up in this area for several years,” said Dr. John Haines, a mycology expert and scientist emeritus for the New York State Museum. “The hot, dry conditions the last two summers have kept them largely underground; these poisonous mushrooms have been waiting for the right conditions to pop up, and this year that’s happening.” Clinic Manager Toufic Diab at the Capital District Animal Emergency Clinic in Latham, which takes in sick animals requiring 24-hour care, confi rmed that a young 8-pound dog from Clifton Park died Tuesday after eating what was believed to be a mushroom from the Amanita variety in its backyard. Another sickened dog was in the emergency clinic this week, but a third, poisoned two weeks ago, made a full recovery after being treated there. Veterinarians said fast action is required to save a dog’s life after eating toxic mushrooms. Since the delicate mushrooms can be digested rapidly, immediate intervention is needed to prevent damage to vital organs, including the liver and kidneys. “People may or may not see their dog eating the mushrooms, but if they suspect it, they should contact their regular veterinarian immediately,” said Dr. Pamela Scherba of the Halfmoon Veterinary Clinic. “The dog may be wobbly, lethargic or their gums may be pale, but owners usually can tell that something is very wrong.” Scherba said although inducing vomiting, usually with diluted hydrogen peroxide, is the course of action likely to be recommended, people should talk to a veterinarian before administering anything. “If they can’t reach their veterinarian, they can call the emergency animal hospitals,” Scherba said. “They will need to take the dog to a medical facility to be sedated and given various gastric procedures to flush out the toxins and prevent absorption.” Scherba has seen one dog this year believed to have ingested poisonous mushrooms from the owner’s backyard, but that dog was quickly treated and recovered. While cases of animal rabies are reported to the New York State Health Department, poisonous mushroom ingestion isn’t tracked in the same manner for animals, so there may be other dogs that have been treated in local animal clinics this year. Haines said the Amanita species is the most common dangerous mushroom, but its flowerlike appearance is deceiving. “It is attractive to pets and small children by the way it looks and smells,” Haines said. “Dogs in particular have an acute sense of smell, and these [mushrooms] actually smell and taste sweet; there’s nothing to indicate they’re poisonous.” HEALTH WARNING At the end of July, the state Health Department issued a warning to New York residents to avoid eating all wild mushrooms, after two Rensselaer County residents were hospitalized with severe illness last month after eating wild mushrooms. Bob Beyfuss, an extension agent at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Greene County, issued a newsletter this month warning people not to self-identify any wild mushrooms they fi nd around their houses or wooded areas. “There are absolutely no hard and fast rules or ways to determine if a given species is toxic or not,” Beyfuss said. “Some people do play Russian Roulette by eating unknown mushroom species; that’s an enormous risk they shouldn’t dream of taking.” Agricultural experts said wild mushrooms grow in many areas of the state and multiply in wet weather conditions, and also cluster on decomposing stumps from trees downed for new development. Anyone in the local area who believes they may have a dangerous species can bring in a sample to a local Cornell Cooperative Extension office for identification. “Take a small piece carefully, place it in a sealed bag, and keep it in the refrigerator before you bring it in,” Frank Pemberton, agricultural educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, said. “People call us and ask us if they can eat what they find in and around their backyards, but it’s like berries in the woods: leave them alone.” Because of their deep roots, removing a patch of mushrooms can be difficult. Some people try mowing them down or pulling them up by hand, but both efforts are likely to result in new growth. “You can’t spray to kill them before they sprout, and they proliferate rapidly,” Haines said. “If you cut one down, there may be a new one the next morning. That’s the mystery of the mushroom; they’re unpredictable.” If you suspect you or your pet have eaten a poisonous mushroom, immediately call the New York State Regional Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 and inform the health-care provider. People who have eaten any wild mushrooms may experience symptoms within hours or days of ingestion. Providing a description of the mushroom eaten by humans or animals can help diagnosis and treatment. PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB BEYFUSS The Amanita mushroom, also known as the “Death Cap,” is one of the most toxic species.
For all of you animal lovers, keep an eye out for these mushrooms. I noticed a clump of mushrooms by a tree stump in our yard. I really don't know if they are deadly or not, but I think we will cut them down as a precaution.
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