Pfiesteria: Background information and contingency plan

Pfiesteria and Pfiesteria-like species, first identified and characterized in 1991, are microscopic aquatic life forms known as a dinoflagellates; a group of single celled organisms which have the ability to swim in the water column and exhibit characteristics of both plants and animals. The organism is not a disease-causing pathogen; rather it is the toxin produced by the organism that causes the adverse health effects observed. Presently, testing for the presence of Pfiesteria is complicated, time-consuming, and requires highly specialized facilities. By correlating the known environmental condition preferences of Pfiesteria and Pfiesteria-like organisms with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ambient water monitoring database, a map demonstrating an estimation of the level of potential risk for Pfiesteria outbreaks has been developed.Prepared for New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)