Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom advisory issued for Moose Lake

A blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom has been identified in areas of Moose Lake. Residents living near the shores of this lake, as well as visitors to this lake, are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid all contact with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible.
• Do not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) in any areas where blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is visible.
• Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to your pets.
• Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from this lake, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver. (People can safely consume fish fillets from this lake).

As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Moose Lake, at any time. Boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae. An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock, while this advisory is active.

Blue-green algae is naturally occurring, and often becomes visible when weather conditions are calm. Appearing like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water, blue-green algae can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, and/or pinkish-red, and often smell musty or grassy.

People who come in contact with visible blue-green algae or who ingest water containing blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days. Symptoms in children are often more pronounced; however, all humans are at risk of these symptoms.

Weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the lake to another. As such, this advisory will remain in effect for Moose Lake, until further notice.

Please note that areas of Moose Lake in which the blue-green algae bloom is NOT visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while this blue-green algae Health Advisory is in place.

“AHS has just released a health advisory for Moose Lake as blue green algae or Cyanobacteria has been identified,” The Bonnyville Veterinary Clinic stated. “If your pet happens to swim in a body of water with blue-green algae blooms they should be immediately showered off and should seek veterinary attention. Clinical signs range from vomiting, diarrhea, bloody or black stool, weakness, pale gums, liver failure, shock, seizures and death. With the continued heat warning this week, please monitor your furry loved ones for signs of heat stroke. These signs can include heavy panting, excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, dark or bright gums, staggering, weakness, collapse, unconsciousness or seizures.”

If any of these signs are seen please contact the Bonnyville Veterinary Clinic for assistance at 780-826-2188.

If you suspect a problem related to blue-green algae or if you require further information on health concerns and blue-green algae, please call Health Link at 811. Additional information is also available online, at www.ahs.ca/bga.

Arthur@lakelandconnect.thedev.ca