ALERT: Mayo dog owners warned of recent dangerous toxins
Contact your vet quickly if your dog becomes unexpectedly sick after swimming or coming into contact with an algal bloom, and, where possible, take photographs of algal accumulations observed at the location.
Mayo County Council has received reports of natural algal blooms and cyanobacteria along lake shorelines at Gortnorabbey, Lough Conn and Callow Lake. The recent spell of mild and calm weather has created ideal conditions for these type of blooms to develop along lake shorelines.
These blooms can produce toxins which have the potential to cause illness in humans and fatalities of animals, especially dogs. The blooms can appear as green or blue-green streaks resembling paint at the water surface, or silky scums along shorelines.
Mayo County Council has consulted with the EPA, local dog wardens, and the Department of Agriculture Veterinary Inspector.
At times when such accumulations are present, Mayo County Council is advising the public to:
- Do not touch algal accumulations on the shoreline.
- Wash hands if you touch the algal material.
- Keep children and pets away from algae on the water’s edge.
- Do not let pets drink the water. It’s a good idea for dogs to be given a good drink of water before walking near a river or lake.
- Wash pets immediately if they come into contact with water suspected to be contaminated with cyanobacteria.
Contact your vet quickly if your dog becomes unexpectedly sick after swimming or coming into contact with an algal bloom, and, where possible, take photographs of algal accumulations observed at the location.
