Dog owners who were devastated following the sudden death of their beloved pets after exercising at a Co Fermanagh beauty spot have been told toxic Blue Green Algae was found in tests taken a week later.
It is believed that six dogs suffered agonising deaths after walking in the Lough Melvin area - even though none of them had been in the water, Belfast Live reports.
Tests were organised independently by the family members who are now waiting to see if the results of match those taken in samples collected by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) five days later.
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The NIEA was told that none of the dogs had gone near the water and were offered help by owners to pinpoint the exact area of concern including Axel, a rescue pup from Belfast and Mollie, an eight-year-old rescue from Garrison, Co Fermanagh.
They were also told each of the dogs had been in contact with a black sludge material on shore. However:
- The NIEA took only water samples on their first visit to the lough which showed no toxic algae
- Further dogs died after samples were taken and before warning signs were erected
- Three days later following the deaths of two further dogs, the NIEA returned to the area
- Follow-up samples included decomposing material the families had initially directed the agency to.
One family, whose dog died after exercising near a lough in Co Fermanagh, say they are determined to get all answers so they can help stop other families from experiencing the same devastation.
Saluki Lurcher cross Axel, their 11-month-old rescue dog, passed away less than 25 minutes after he had been on dry land near Lough Melvin on Wednesday, May 31.
Both of his owners, who are retired professionals, subsequently took shoreline and water samples which are currently being processed.
A Spokesperson for DAERA told Belfast Live: “The Northern Ireland Environment Agency received a report on Thursday evening 1 June of the death of a dog on 31 May 2023 at Lough Melvin, Garrison.
“A subsequent report of the death of another dog was received on 2 June 2023. A Water Quality Officer was tasked to investigate for evidence of water pollution.
“At the time of the inspection on 2 June, the inspector did not observe any evidence of an algal bloom, dead fish or any other signs of water pollution including sewage in the water. However, as a precautionary measure a water sample was taken for algal analysis.”
Another two dogs then died after walking along the shoreline prior to the warning signs being put in place that advised people to not enter the water.
Three days following the initial tests, NIEA returned to Lough Melvin to collect other samples, this time including the black sludge material which families raised concern about.
A spokesman for DAERA also told the publication: “NIEA staff returned to Lough Melvin on 5 June and on this occasion did observe an algae bloom on the lake and collected further samples from both the lake and shoreline.
“Analysis by NIEA has confirmed the presence of ‘blue-green algae’ of the genus Microcystis sp. and Anabaena sp. in the water as well as colonies of Oscillatoria sp. within decomposed material on the shoreline.
“All three genus of algae can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and often fatal to pets if ingested.
“The results have been shared with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council who have erected signage warning the public of the presence of blue-green algae. Authorities in the Republic of Ireland have also been informed of the results.”
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