Toxic Algae Found At Carlingwalk Loch – Castle Douglas

Dumfries and Galloway Council have reported that Blue Green Algae which is toxic to dogs and  livestock has been found in Carlingwalk Loch, Castle Douglas.

Blue-green algae, which is also called cyanobacteria, is a microscopic bacteria found in freshwater ponds, lakes, streams, and brackish water ecosystems. Note that not all types of algae are poisonous, but some types (e.g., blue-green) can produce toxins called microcystins and anatoxins. These toxins are so dangerous that they are actually poisonous to other species too: humans, cattle, horses, cats, etc. For this reason, you shouldn’t allow your dog (or child) to swim or drink water that has been potentially contaminated with blue-green algae.

Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning
Clinical signs of blue-green algae poisoning depend on what type of toxin (e.g., microcystin vs. anatoxin) is present. Clinical signs of blue-green algae that produce microcystins, typically include:

• Malaise/lethargy
• Weakness
• Not eating
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Black-tarry stool
• Collapse
• Pale gums
• Jaundice (yellow) gums
• Shock
• Seizures
• Death

With blue-green algae that produce anatoxins, symptoms include:

• Inability to walk
• Hypersalivating
• Excessive (eye) tearing
• Tremors
• Muscle rigidity
• Difficulty breathing or blue gums
• Death

Further info can be found by clicking HERE

Please be cautious in letting livestock/dog drink from this source.  Please contact Env Health on 030 33 33 3000 for more info #SupportDG