Dog owners are being warned to keep their pets away from Big Mead Pond due to the presence of blue-green algae.
A lack of water flowing into the pond is leading to lower-than-usual levels, which in turn is providing ideal conditions for the growth of the potentially fatal algae.
A similar situation arose back in 2017 when a bloom of cyanbacteria led to the death of a number of fish. The fire service was mobilised to fill the pond with fresh water, in a bid to raise the oxygen levels.
In 2022, the future of the pond was at risk when the natural source of water was severed due to a pipe failure. Thankfully, the action of passionate locals saved the day, as reported by Island Echo.
Island Echo is told that the Environmental Agency has conducted testing of the pond in recent weeks, with a notice given to the Isle of Wight Council about the current situation.
If drunk, blue-green algae can case fatal liver damage to dogs and cats and can even be fatal to humans too. Toxins produced by the bacteria can cause skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, fever and headaches through contact with the skin and swallowing the contaminated water. Occasionally the toxins can cause more serious illness such as liver and brain damage.
Shanklin Parish Council is aware of the situation and is considering emergency allocation of funds to top the water level up, with a sharp eye being kept on the condition of the fish.
The Isle of Wight Council says it is continuing to actively monitor and manage the pond and states that the fish remain healthy and that the water level, as it stands, is not at a critical level.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council has said:
“The pond is fed by a natural spring on the downs, which has been affected by the recent dry conditions. As part of our regular maintenance, Big Mead was treated in early June to help prevent the growth of blue-green algae. This treatment may cause the water to appear bluer than usual.
“While the pond remains safe for wildlife, we kindly advise dog owners to avoid allowing their pets to drink from or enter the water at this time.
“We will continue to monitor the pond closely and will be installing temporary signage on-site to help raise awareness”.
Not all blue-green algae blooms and scums are toxic but it is not possible to tell from appearance and so it’s best to assume they are harmful and take the following precautions:
– Do not swim in the water
– Do not swallow the water
– Avoid contact with the algae
– Do not eat fish caught from the water
– Observe and abide by any warning notices positioned around the water
Just keep dogs on their lead, some dog owners don’t seem
to own a lead.