The Cotswold Water Park Trust has issued fresh warnings to people visiting lakes in the area following an algal bloom which has the potential to kill a dog in 15 minutes.
The bacteria – known as blue-green algae – is currently present in a number of North Wiltshire and closeby Gloucestershire lakes, including at Neigh Bridge Country Park and Cleveland Lakes.
It can prove fatal to both humans and animals, with many dogs succumbing to it over the years. Whilst not all blue-green algae is harmful, it is impossible – without testing – to determine whether it is safe or not. The bacteria can often not be seen with the naked eye until it clumps together.
A Blue Cross spokesperson said: “Blooms of blue-green algae can produce harmful toxins which stop a dog’s liver from functioning properly. However, not all types of blue-green algae are dangerous.
“Sadly, exposure to toxic blue-green algae is often fatal, and can also cause long term health problems in dogs that survive after drinking or swimming in algae-contaminated water. Some types of blue-green algae can kill a dog just 15 minutes to an hour after drinking contaminated water.
“Dogs who have been swimming in water can get the algae caught in their fur, and can ingest it while cleaning themselves later on.
“Concentrations of the algae vary throughout the year and may not always be harmful – but you can’t tell simply by looking at them whether or not they are dangerous, so it is best not to run the risk of allowing your dog to come into contact with water where the algae may be present.”
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