algal poisoning hits UK river - Wales

[donsu]

http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?cid=13171&cat=dis&lang=eng


People in Llangefni on Anglesey are being warned to keep away from potentially toxic blue-green algae discovered in a river. Environment Agency Wales says the algae found in the Afon Cefni could cause rashes and severe illness if swallowed. Farmers and pet owners are also being warned to keep animals and pets away. The blue green algae, or cyanobacteria, occurs naturally in inland waters, estuaries and the sea and has a 50% chance of being toxic when it blooms. The algae has been found in the Cefni where it flows through the Anglesey Council's Dingle nature reserve, a 25-acre broadleaved woodland. Euryn Roberts, a senior environment officer, speaking for the agency said: "People may have noticed that the Cefni has turned a vibrant green colour. "People often report it to us thinking it is pollution, but it is a natural phenomenon. "The best thing to do is to keep away from the river, and make sure pets and livestock don't go near it. "We are working with the council to find out the cause of the bloom. This is the first time it has happened since the mid 1990s." People who find fish in distress in rivers in the area are asked to call the agency's hotline on 0800 807060. An Anglesey Council spokesperson said the Dingle nature reserve was "still very much open for the public". The spokesperson said: "We've taken the precaution of erecting warning signs in the woodland and would, of course, urge those visiting to adhere closely to the advice provided by Environment Agency Wales." )
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