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Owners urged to keep dogs away from blue-green algae
Blue-green algae can contain toxins that are potentially fatal to dogs when ingested.
BVA’s advice follows recent reports of algal bloom in the UK.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued a warning to pet owners about blue-green algae, urging them to keep their dogs safe when walking near freshwater bodies this summer.

The warning comes after a number of recent reports of algal bloom in lakes, ponds and rivers around the UK, including the Lake District and Shetland Islands. The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app identifies confirmed sightings and people are encouraged to submit details and photographs of suspected sightings. 

BVA’s tips for dog owners are:
  • Look out for warning signs near water bodies
  • Keep pets on a lead around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom, and don’t let pets swim in it or drink from it
  • Wash a dog’s coat thoroughly with clean water after swimming outside 
  • Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you’re concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae.
Blue-green algae, also know as cyanobacteria, can appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of freshwater. The bacteria can contain toxins that can prove fatal to dogs when ingested even in small quantities. 

BVA president Malcolm Morley said: “Lots of dogs love water and won’t hesitate to dive straight in when they see a lake or go for a paddle in a pond. But toxic blue-green algae is very difficult to identify and, if ingested, can make dogs seriously unwell – and can even be fatal. We’re urging pet owners to keep their dogs on leads near water bodies where blue-green algae has been confirmed or, if unsure if a water body is safe, to keep them away from it completely. It may seem a shame to spoil your dog's fun, particularly if they are used to swimming somewhere, but if you are unsure it is safe, it is not worth the risk. 

“Being aware of the symptoms of exposure is also vital as there is no known antidote for the toxins and prompt treatment is critical to help give a chance of recovery. Symptoms can appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure, and commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces. If you have any concerns or are worried your pet may have had contact with blue-green algae, speak to your vet as soon as you can.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.