Sponsored by
Warnings issued as Hampshire pond suffers second algae outbreak
Pet lovers are being warned about potentially poisonous algae in a pond.
Warning signs have been put up around Heath Pond in Petersfield after tests by the Environment Agency found the presence of blue-green algae in the water.
The virus killed around 5,000 fish when it appeared in the pond last year.
The hot weather is thought to have had an impact on the algae, but a combination of excessive nutrients is also thought to have played a part.
The algae can potentially kill animals who come into contact with it, and also cause illness in humans.
Neil Hitch, town clerk for Petersfield Town Council, said: 'It's not yet turned toxic but in effect it's only a matter of time.
'That could easily happen this week with temperatures rising.
'The hot weather does have a significant effect but it's probably caused from long term problems. The most logical explanation is excessive nutrients which can cause the algae to grow.
'It's a still bit of water – whatever is in the water stays there as there is no water flowing in or out.
'It's a very popular area. You have got gorgeous views of the South Downs. It's an idyllic location.
'As long as people behave sensibly there is no problem.'
The public are being advised not to swim or enter the water or allow dogs to enter the pond.
If ingested, symptoms include sickness and nausea, aches and pains to limbs and joints, raised temperature, upset stomach, diarrhoea and stomach pains.
It can also be fatal to dogs and small animals.
Anyone who experiences any of the above symptoms is urged to seek medical advice immediately.
Joe Giacomelli, spokesman for the Environment Agency, said: 'I can confirm that tests have shown that there is blue-green algae present in Petersfield Pond but no algal blooms have yet appeared.
'They tend to flourish due to warm weather conditions.
'We will be doing further tests and in the meantime we advise people to keep their pets away from the area as a precaution.'
BLUE-GREEN ALGAE
Cyanobacteria – known as blue-green algae – are found in almost every conceivable environment, from oceans to fresh water to bare rock to soil.
They can occur as planktonic cells or form phototrophic biofilms in fresh water and marine environments.
They can also occur in damp soil, or even temporarily moistened rocks in deserts.
A few are endosymbionts in lichens, plants, various protists, or sponges and provide energy for the host.
Some live in the fur of sloths, providing a form of camouflage.
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -4 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -5 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
