Warning on Lake Tegel: Dog dies of dangerous blue algae!

Warning on Lake Tegel: Dog dies of dangerous blue algae!

Tegeler See, Berlin, Deutschland - in Reinickendorf, Berlin, a small dog died after showing symptoms of poisoning by blue-green toxins. This reports rbb24 . The new cyanobacteria can be found in well -known aquatic plants of the Tegeler See. Dog owners are urgently warned to keep their animals on a leash, especially near the aquatic plants, to avoid serious health risks.

The State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) has published a warning for Lake Tegel. Accordingly, dogs can be seriously damaged if they drink water or chew on the aquatic plants. For humans, on the other hand, there is no acute danger when bathing in the Tegeler See, since the concentrations of the blue algae can be classified as low. However, the LAGESO recommends avoiding the collections of aquatic plants on the bank.

background to blue algae

The phenomenon of the blue algae, also called cyanobacteria, often occurs in flat, nutrient -rich waters. These are primarily influenced by agricultural nutrients and rainwater. According to berlin.de lead high concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen in water to a strong algae growth, which is particularly pronounced from July. The algae appear in different shapes: some are visible as a green cloudiness in the water, while others swim on the surface as visible flakes or tufts.

The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that in the bathing season, health risks can arise from high concentrations of cyanobacteria in bathing waters. Small children are particularly susceptible to the toxins that are produced by these bacteria because they can cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys. Disease Symptoms Can So Include Nonspecific Signs, Search as Skin Irritation or Gastrointestinal Disorders.

warnings and measures

Since 2017, several dogs have died of strong poisoning after stays on Lake Tegeler. The Reinickendorf district office plans to set up warning signs to inform dog owners about the dangers. There are currently no further warnings for other bathing areas in Berlin, but this does not rule out that the risk also exists in other waters.

The measurement and control of the blue algae takes place as part of the bathing water monitoring. However, it is emphasized that the recording of cyanobacteria flowers is not always sufficiently quantitative and frequently in order to warn in good time of health risks. With satellite -based methods, the reflection of the Pigment Phycocyanin can be used to detect cyanobacteria, which could be important for future surveillance. The Federal Environment Agency makes it clear that preventive control and surveillance are essential in order to ensure water quality and thus security for animals and humans.