Dog Deaths Prompt Warnings to Avoid Numerous Northern Ireland Waters Over Toxic Blue-Green Algae

9th June 2023

File image of Lough Melvin between counties Fermanagh and Leitrim. An alarming six dogs have died after visiting the popular beauty spot, where blue-green algae has been detected Credit: Kenneth Allen/Geograph

Three councils in Northern Ireland have issues warnings over the presence of toxic blue-green algae in their local waterways, as BelfastLive reports.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is warning people away from the water at Lough Melvin after an alarming six dogs died following visits to the area in recent days.

Another dog died after contact with the shore of Lough Neagh, where Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council confirmed the presence of the algae.

And Mid Ulster District Council has also identified blue-green algae in the waters of Ballyronan Marina and Battery Harbour.

The bacteria that comprise blue-green algae produce toxins that are harmful to humans and even more so to animals when ingested, inhaled or they make contact with the skin.

BelfastLive has more on the story HERE.

Published in Northern Ireland Waters, Water Safety, Inland Waterways

Published in Northern Ireland Waters

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MacDara Conroy

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MacDara Conroy is a contributor covering all things on the water, from boating and wildlife to science and business

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