As the warmer weather sets in, the province is issuing a warning about blue-green algae.
It is a bacteria found in many New Brunswick ponds, lakes and rivers and it can increase in warmer conditions.
The province is reminding the public, it can be toxic to pets, fish, wildlife and livestock. It can also cause skin, eye and throat irritation or serious health effects in people, such as gastrointestinal illness
Chief Medical officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell says, “We want all residents to be active and enjoy the outdoors, but we also want them to understand and consider the potential risks of exposure to blue-green algae. New Brunswickers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with blue-green algae’s appearance in order to minimize risks for themselves, loved ones and their pets.”
While most commonly blue-green in colour as its name suggests, surface blooms can also be green, red, brown or yellow. Benthic mats, which can form along the bottom of lakes and rivers, can look like clumps of vegetation that may appear black, brown or dark green in the water, but when washed up on the shore they may appear brown or grey once they have dried. They can also be attached to rocks or aquatic vegetation.
Dr. Russell says it’s always advisable to check the water before entering..
A few other suggestions are to supervise young children and pets near recreational waters, don’t swallow lake or river water and avoid swimming where there are visible blooms.
Other safety advice includes:
-Bathe or shower after being in recreational waters.
-Do not enter the water with open cuts or sores.
-Always wash your hands before eating.
Pet owners are advised that benthic mats, including those that wash up along the shores of lakes and rivers, can be toxic and potentially lethal to dogs if consumed.
Dogs are attracted to their odour and should not be permitted to eat vegetation or floating mats.
As a precaution, children and adults should not play with or handle mats while wading, fishing, boating or otherwise enjoying recreational waters.
