Warning issued after canine passing linked to harmful algae in Tegel lake
In the Tegeler See of Berlin, authorities have issued a warning for dog owners due to the presence of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and their potentially harmful toxins. While the toxin levels in open water remain below the critical threshold for humans, they can pose a risk for dogs.
A recent incident involving a dog that collapsed and later died while in the shoreline area of the Tegeler See has raised concerns. The Reinickendorf district office reported that the dog exhibited symptoms consistent with poisoning from blue-green algae toxins.
These new strains of blue-green algae grow alongside water plants. According to the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso), dogs can be harmed if they chew on these water plants or drink water immediately surrounding them.
Currently, there is no danger to humans while swimming at the Tegeler See. However, Lageso has posted a warning on its website and directly at the waterbody, advising people to avoid water plant accumulations along the shore.
There are no warnings for other bodies of water in Berlin at this time. The Reinickendorf district office plans to install warning signs again this year to protect dogs at the lake.
Blue-green algae toxins were initially detected in the Tegeler See in 2017, with several dogs dying shortly after being near the water due to an intoxication with the algae toxin. Lageso notes that toxin levels safe for humans may be dangerous for dogs.
As a precaution, dog owners are urged to keep their pets on a leash when walking near Lake Tegel to prevent direct contact with or ingestion of contaminated water or aquatic plants. It is also advisable to avoid allowing dogs to drink water from shore areas where aquatic plants accumulate, as these can harbor higher concentrations of blue-green algae toxins.
Owners should also be aware of the symptoms of poisoning, which can include sudden collapse, and take proper action if their pets exhibit these signs after exposure to the water or aquatic plants. Installation of warning signs around the lake is planned to alert visitors about the specific risks for dogs.
The State Office for Health and Social Affairs continues to monitor the situation at the Tegeler See and recommends avoiding accumulations of aquatic plants on the shore, especially for dog owners.
- The recent incident involving a dog that collapsed and died near the Tegeler See highlights the potential danger of blue-green algae toxins, even outside the open water, as dogs can be harmed by chewing on water plants or drinking water surrounding them.
- In light of the risks posed by blue-green algae to dogs, it is crucial for owners to keep their pets on a leash when walking near Lake Tegel, prevent direct contact with or ingestion of contaminated water or aquatic plants, and avoid allowing dogs to drink water from shore areas where aquatic plants accumulate.
