Warning over algal bloom on Mayo lake
Algal bloom can be harmful to dogs and other animals.
Mayo County Council has received reports of natural algal blooms along the lake shoreline at Beltra Lake.
As reported on other lakes previously, the ongoing warm and calm weather has created ideal conditions for these type of blooms to develop along other lake shorelines.
Some blooms can produce toxins, and if ingested directly or from untreated water have the potential to cause illness 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.
The reports received to date have characteristics of a diffuse and localised shoreline accumulation of planktonic cyanobacteria.
At times when such accumulations are present, Mayo County Council is advising the public to: Do not touch algal accumulations on the shoreline; Do not swim in the water or drink untreated water from the lake; 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 raw lake water. It’s a good idea for dogs to be given a good drink of clean 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 forward photographs of algal accumulations observed at this or other locations.
