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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Claire Galloway

Toxic algae found at Loch Lomond as warning issued to dog owners and swimmers

A warning has been issued to swimmers and dog owners after toxic algae was discovered at Loch Lomond.

Rangers at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park have posted alarming photos of the poisonous algae, which can kill dogs, on social media as temperatures soar.

Staff confirmed on Friday that they had reports of the toxic blue-green algae at Milarrochy Bay, the Daily Record reports.

The national park urged people to keep themselves, as well as pets out of the water, when the algae blooms.

Photos of the algae at the beauty spot clearly show the streaks of green-coloured algae in the water.

According to the Scottish SPCA, the symptoms from ingesting the toxins can appear within a few minutes or hours, and commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, disorientation, breathing difficulties and seizures.

It can cause also lead to rashes if there is skin contact with humans and illness when swallowed.

The warning from the National Park read: "Please be aware we have had reports of blue-green algae at Milarrochy Bay which can produce toxins that can kill dogs and other animals.

"In humans it can cause rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed."

The algae, which is typically an issue in warmer months, can also produce "earthy or grassy odours" and cause foaming on the shoreline.

The danger can disappear within hours or days, depending on the weather and the water temperature, says the National Park.

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