July 28, 2011 – FRANCE – Toxic blue-green algae has killed 31 wild boar in a cove in Brittany, northern France. The algae is common on beaches in the area but turns deadly when it comes into contact with nitrogen waste flowing to the cove from intensive pig farms near the Gouessant estuary. The gas is as toxic as cyanide, prompting local authorities to close nearby beaches. In 2009 fumes from the seaweed-like sludge knocked out a council worker clearing the beach. A local horse rider also passed out and their horse died.