Potentially toxic blue-green algae detected in lake at Yarrow Valley Country Park in Chorley
Dogs face the highest risk...
Blue-green algae has been detected in the lake at Chorley’s Yarrow Valley Country Park.
The algae can be very toxic and is a particular risk to dogs if they drink the water or lick their fur after being exposed to its blooms.
Symptoms in pets include seizures, extreme weakness, liver failure, and death can occur within minutes or hours. There is no antidote for this type of poisoning once ingested, so dogs should not swim in affected water.
The toxins can also be harmful to people and contact with the water can cause skin irritation and illness if swallowed.
Chorley Council is advising visitors not to enter the lake and to keep dogs on a lead and away from the water at all times.
It has not confirmed whether the blue-green algae at Yarrow Valley is toxic, but the Environment Agency has been informed and are monitoring the area.
While not every bloom produces poisons, it is impossible to tell a safe bloom from a dangerous one just by looking at it.
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Health effects on people
Skin contact: Can cause rashes, hives, and eye or throat irritation
Swallowing water: Can lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea
Breathing mists: Can trigger allergic reactions or breathing trouble
Risks to dogs and wildlife
Severe danger: Dogs and livestock face the highest risk because they often drink the water or lick their fur
Rapid poisoning: Symptoms in pets include seizures, extreme weakness, liver failure, and death within minutes or hours
No antidote: There is no quick cure for this type of poisoning once ingested