Lough Neagh: Dog owners cautioned of harmful algae and plant

Dog owners have actually been cautioned of a harmful algae and hazardous plant on the Lough Neagh coastline in Antrim.

Tests were performed near Rea’s Wood following a report that a dog had actually passed away after it had actually remained in the water.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency looked out to the family pet’s death on 19 May.

It performed a variety of tests over numerous days to examine proof of algal flower.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said a sample handled Tuesday validated percentages of an algae called Microcystis sp had actually cleaned up on the coastline.

Microcystis sp is a blue-green algae that can produce toxic substances which are extremely harmful and frequently deadly to family pets.

The council said a big quantity of the hazardous however relatively typical plant hemlock water dropwort was likewise seen growing in the woody location along Rea’s Wood.

In a safety update published online, it specified: “Hemlock water dropwort (toxin parsnip) is possibly the most harmful native plant in Britain and Ireland.

“This is a native plant, not an intrusive types, and it grows mainly in wet meadows along river courses and nearby to lakes.

“It is extremely hazardous to human beings and domesticated animals if consumed – although the roots are more hazardous than the above-ground parts.”

The council has actually set up brand-new indications cautioning the general public of the hazardous plant and algae, and encouraging dog owners keep their family pets on leads at all times.

“Dog owners need to constantly understand the risks postured by all harmful plants and algae growing in the environment, however particularly along riverbanks and in wet meadow or edges of lakes,” the council said.

Last year, following the deaths of 3 dogs in the location, the council and Northern Ireland Environmental Agency performed examinations.