Toxic algae has been blamed for the deaths of two dogs in Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.
The dogs, a Labrador and a Jack Russell, died after swimming in a lake near the village of Derrylin. The lake is believed to have been contaminated with a type of blue-green algae, which can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals.
The algae, known as cyanobacteria, is a naturally occurring organism that can be found in many freshwater bodies. It is usually harmless, but in certain conditions, such as when the water is warm and stagnant, it can produce toxins that can be dangerous to humans and animals.
The toxins can cause skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in extreme cases, liver and kidney damage. In the case of the two dogs, it is believed that they died from liver failure caused by the toxins.
The incident has sparked a warning from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to pet owners to be aware of the dangers of toxic algae. The NIEA has advised people to avoid swimming or letting their pets swim in any water body that appears to be contaminated with blue-green algae.
The NIEA has also urged people to report any sightings of blue-green algae to their local council. The council can then take steps to reduce the risk of contamination, such as aerating the water or adding chemicals to reduce the growth of the algae.
The deaths of the two dogs in Co Fermanagh are a tragic reminder of the dangers of toxic algae. It is important that people are aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves and their pets.