DACULA, Ga. - University of Georgia researchers say toxic algae killed four cows on a farm in metro Atlanta.

The researchers determined that toxic algae was found in a pond at the farm in the Dacula area, northeast of Atlanta. The deaths occurred in May and June.

UGA researchers say above-average temperatures and an influx of nutrients from the surrounding pasture helped to create the algae bloom that killed the cows near Dacula.

The university said in a statement that property owners should be vigilant about keeping livestock and pets out of water that has become discolored or opaque.