Health warning after dog dies from suspected algae poisoning at iconic UK lake

Dog owners have been urged to beware blue-green algae in the Lake District after a pet reportedly died from suspected poisoning. Coniston Mountain Rescue Team has issued a public warning after a dog called Ozzy died from suspected blue‑green algae poisoning following contact with Coniston Water.

The beauty spot in Cumbria is where Donald Campbell crashed Bluebird during his ill-fated water speed record attempt in 1967 and died. It is claimed Ozzy had been at Coniston Water last Saturday and later began vomiting and showing signs of lethargy. He died despite being taken to a vet, his owners have claimed.

Coniston Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) said blue-green algae blooms “can be present in lakes, streams and tarns, as well as reservoirs and ponds”, with some producing “highly dangerous” toxins that also make humans ill.

The Environment Agency (EA) said it had “received no reports of blue-green algae at Coniston in the past days” but encouraged people to log suspected sightings.

Blooms occur naturally but are more frequent during warm, dry weather and are exacerbated by nutrients from phosphate in pollutants such as sewage.

CMRT said the microscopic organisms can look like blue-green paint, scum or greenish-brown discolouration.

It is advising anyone planning to swim, boat or walk their dog near water to check for warning signs nearby.

Anyone whose dog has been swimming or drinking from an algae-affected area and begins suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures or breathing difficulties should consult a vet immediately, it added.

The Lake District National Park Authority echoed that guidance, warning it was “impossible to tell if algae is the dangerous kind just by looking at it, so it’s best to not enter the water if you suspect there is [a bloom]”.

Coniston Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) posted on Facebook: “Following the incredibly sad loss of a dog named Ozzy who died from algae poisoning, after being in Coniston Water where Blue/Green algae is currently present, we wanted to raise awareness of the dangers this bloom can cause.

“Our thoughts are with Ozzy’s owners, we are so sorry for your loss.

“During the Summer months pet owners need to be aware of the possibility of the highly dangerous Blue/Green Algae in inland water sources.

“These algae can be present in lakes, streams and tarns, as well as reservoirs and ponds. It can produce toxins that are highly dangerous to humans and pets.

“It can be fatal in dogs. Blooms—which can look like blue-green paint, scums, or greenish-brown discolouration—thrive in long, hot spells of weather.

“If your dog has been swimming or drinking from such water courses and suddenly suffers from vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, breathing difficulty or collapse, please consult a vet immediately.

“However, depending on the toxin, symptoms might not show themselves straight away, so if you think your dog may have ingested water containing the algae, the sooner you contact a vet the better.”

* Meanwhile elsewhere in Cumbria, parents have raised concerns about pollution after several people had to go to hospital over the weekend after swimming in the River Derwent, at Camerton.

One man said his adult son had to go to A&E with sickness and diarrhoea after he swam in the river, while Lesley Rourke, 38, from Workington, said her 14-year-old son also fell ill.

North Cumbria Integrated Care Trust said four patients had attended A&E with diarrhoea and vomiting after swimming in open water.

Water firm United Utilities said: “We’re really sorry to hear that some people have been unwell.

“While we haven’t received any direct reports from individuals, a range of factors can affect river water quality, including agricultural and highway run-off.”

An Environment AGency spokesperson said: “Our specialist officers are investigating potential sources of pollution on the River Derwent around Camerton after receiving reports to our incident hotline.

“We will take enforcement action where appropriate to protect our environment and ensure offences are sanctioned appropriately.”