Dog owners warned about blue-green algae in Broads

Blue-green algae can be toxic to people and animals

People have been warned to be careful when visiting an area of the Norfolk Broads this summer due to an outbreak of blue-green algae.

The Environment Agency has issued an alert about the potentially harmful bloom in South Walsham Broad and the surrounding dykes.

People have been warned to avoid contact with the water and to ensure that dogs do not go in or drink the water.

The Environment Agency said that blue-green algae can be toxic and cause illness or rashes for people but can be fatal for animals.

The Environment Agency has warned people not to allow their dogs to drink the water

A Broads Authority spokesman said: "Blue-green algal blooms are a natural occurrence that is usually caused by the hot weather.

"The blooms are often more likely to occur following periods of warm, sunny and calm weather conditions.

"Our responsibility as an authority regarding blue-green algae extends as far as informing users of the waterways about it to make them aware of algae and the associated risks.

"We know that people who paddle in the Broads, or own dogs, find this information particularly useful due to the dangers it can pose to human and dog health."

A warning was in place for Gay Staithe and Lime Kiln Dyke, near Neatishead, in May but the Broads Authority does not currently have any other warnings in place.

Algal blooms also use up oxygen in the water, which can suffocate fish, with the Environment Agency encouraging people to report suspected outbreaks of algae to its incident hotline.