VISITORS to a Herefordshire beauty spot are being told to avoid the water after blue-green algae was confirmed at the nature reserve.

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust recently put signs up at Bodenham Lake, between Hereford and Leominster, to warn visitors.

The risk to human health is considered very low, but algal toxins in the water can cause rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed.

Visitors have been told to avoid entering the water to swim or paddle and prevent their pets from entering the water or drinking from it.

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What is blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are a group of bacteria that can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock and birds if ingested even in small quantities.

The algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river, or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of exposure can appear within a few minutes or hours, depending on the type of toxin ingested, and commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces.

If left untreated, it can cause liver damage and ultimately be rapidly fatal.

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What is the advice?

Look out for any warning signs put up by the responsible national environment agency or local authority near water bodies.

Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don't let pets swim in it or drink from it.

If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards.