Another warning over blue-green algae in loch

Another warning over blue-green algae has been issued after being found in Scotland.

Yesterday, Scottish Field warned dog owners to keep their pets away from the toxic scum, which is found in fresh waters in Great Britain and throughout the world, after the deaths of two pets who ingested it.

The new warning relates to Collaster Loch, in Twatt, in the Shetland Islands, after their council’s environmental health department received a notification from SEPA, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Notices are being posted in local shops and next to the loch warning that contact with algal scum should be avoided.

Adjoining landowners have been advised of the situation, fishing interest, as have NHS Shetland.

The sign at Collaster Loch, in Twatt, warning of the algae

Blue-green algae exist are noticed when their concentrations increase to form “blooms” and when they form scums – looking like blue-green paint – or when they collect on the shore line.

Some blue-green algae may give rise to adverse medical effects – but not always. Effects on people coming into contact with toxic scums include skin rashes, eye irritations, vomiting and diarrhoea, fever and pains in muscles and joints. Toxic algae have caused deaths of livestock as well as dogs.

The treatment of water supplies removes blue-green algae and additional treatment may be applied to destroy or remove toxins should they arise.

The level of its toxicity can fluctuate; it can appear one day, then be dispersed by the wind and mixing and re-accumulate at any time.