Blue-green algae, which can be deadly to dogs, is blooming in Northern Ireland right now prompting an urgent early warning from vets
The British Veterinary Association is urging pet owners to take extra precautions when walking dogs around freshwater bodies, as warm weather conditions spark concerns about an increased risk of toxic blue green algae growth over the coming months.
July and August are normally peak months for vet practices reporting suspected or confirmed cases of the algae poisoning.
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But sightings of the tell-tale algal bloom have been made already in lakes, ponds and rivers in around 50 locations across the UK, including Copeland Reservoir and Conlig Reservoir, Co Down, and the Craigavon Balancing Lakes in Co Armagh - all three, popular areas for dog walkers.
Each has been identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s Bloomin’ Algae app and as early as April, a cocker spaniel died of suspected blue green algae poisoning after a swim in Hampshire.
The free-to-download Bloomin’ Algae app can help make reporting easier, ensuring reaction by environmental experts can be faster and public warnings more efficient.
Anyone can sign up to the app and report the presence of harmful blue-green algae in their communities.
The Citizen Science app, created at Edinburgh University, is intended to help speed up public health warnings, explaining how to recognise the risks to humans and animals.
What are the dangers of blue-green algae to pets, people and ecosystems?
Blue-green algae can produce potent toxins that can result in a range of health effects in people and animals.
Effects on people coming into contact with toxic scums include skin rashes, eye irritations, vomiting and diarrhoea, fever and pains in muscles and joints.
Blue-green algae have caused the deaths of dogs, horses, cattle, birds and fish across the UK.
It can be swallowed in water or even consumed by the dogs licking their feet and legs after a swim.
The algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water and it is possible for dogs to come into contact with the bacteria even if they don’t go into water for a paddle, as toxic blooms are often blown to the edges of water bodies.
Professor Alan Radford who runs the team at SAVSNET, University of Liverpool, collects data from almost 15% of UK veterinary practices. He says suspected or confirmed cases reported by veterinary practices peak in July and August, at the height of the summer season, and are not restricted to any one part of the UK.
Justine Shotton, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: "Many dogs love nothing more than a paddle in a lake to cool off in this weather, but we’d urge pet owners to keep them on a lead during walks near water bodies confirmed to have algal blooms this summer.
"The majority of blooms are toxic and it is impossible to tell the difference visually, so it is better to be safe than sorry.
"It is also important to be aware of the symptoms of exposure. These commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces. They can appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure, depending on the type of toxin ingested, and can cause liver damage and ultimately be rapidly fatal if left untreated.
"There is currently no known antidote for the toxins, so dog owners should seek prompt veterinary treatment to tackle their effects and ensure a good chance of recovery for their pet."
Dr Linda May, a freshwater ecologist at UKCEH, explained: "All reports of suspected blue-green algae are rapidly available to view via the Bloomin’ Algae app, so by submitting records, people are providing a useful early warning to pet owners and watersports enthusiasts.
"A photograph must be included with all reports so we can quickly check if the bloom is blue-green algae or something harmless."
The BVA has issued the following advice for pet owners:
- Look out for any warning signs put up by the responsible national environment agency or local authority near water bodies.
- Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don’t let pets swim in it or drink from it.
- If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
- Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you’re concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae.
- Report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin’ Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area.
Further action and reporting harmful algae
The responsibility to manage algal blooms lies with the owner of the water concerned. For enquiries relating to blue-green algae, please contact your local authority such as the council or the NI Environment Agency.
For more about the free-to-download app click here and follow the link.
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