Possible blue-green algae bloom triggers advisory for Shubie Park’s off-leash dog area

A possible blue-green algae bloom in Lake Micmac has triggered a risk advisory for Shubie Park Beach's off-leash dog area.

Halifax Regional Municipality is encouraging people to avoid swimming in and taking their pets near the lake until further notice.

The naturally occurring cyanobacteria can be harmful for humans, but they're often deadly for pets.

“It's highly toxic,” Bedford veterinarian Dr. Jeff Goodall told CityNews Halifax late last month. “By the time your dog has contacted it, it's probably going to be pretty bad. You need to seek immediate care.”

“Simply licking the scum coat could be fatal.”

For humans, blue-green algae can cause skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea. 

“Children and immune-compromised individuals are at a higher risk,” HRM said in a news release. “If you have these symptoms, you are advised to seek medical assistance.”

HRM is offering up the following tips for lake users:

• Avoid water contact. 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 is visible or in areas where a risk advisory has been issued.
• Avoid consuming water from this lake.
• Avoid consuming fish that has come from this lake. 

HRM says once an algae bloom is spotted, a risk advisory is issued. Tests are then done to determine if the bloom is producing toxins.

“If the algae bloom is not toxin producing, the risk advisory will be lifted and no further testing is required,” the municipality said in a news release.

Lifeguards at all of HRM's supervised beaches regularly monitor water for blue-green algae blooms throughout July and August. They also regularly test the water's bacteria levels.

More information about algae blooms can be found on HRM's website.