Alert Issued on Harmful Blue-Green Algae Spotted in Tegel Region
Dog owners are cautioned to keep their pets leashed while walking near Tegeler See due to potential risks from blue-green algae toxins. A recent incident involving a dog's collapse and subsequent death after being near the shore has prompted these warnings.
The Reinickendorf district office confirmed that the dog displayed symptoms consistent with poisoning from blue-green algae toxins. These toxins are secreted by microscopic bacteria known as cyanobacteria that grow alongside water plants in the lake. However, no risk to human health has been reported due to low concentrations of the toxin in open water suitable for swimming.
Warnings for Tegeler See have been issued by the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso), advising against ingestion of water plants or drinking water in close proximity to them. Lageso advises avoiding water plant accumulations on the shore, especially for dogs. No warnings have been issued for other bodies of water in Berlin.
The first detection of blue-green algae toxins in Tegeler See occurred in 2017, and since then, several dogs have died after exposure. Toxin levels deemed safe for humans can still be harmful to dogs. The Reinickendorf district office plans to reinstall warning signs this year to protect dogs from harmful exposure.
Despite the risks to dogs, bathing in the open water remains safe for humans due to the low concentrations of blue-green algae toxins. Dog owners are advised to keep dogs leashed while walking near the lake and to avoid allowing them to chew on or play in water containing aquatic plants, particularly those near the shore.
Science indicates that blue-green algae toxins, produced by cyanobacteria, pose a threat to the health-and-wellness of dogs but not humans, as reported by Lageso. Environmental-science research suggests that these toxins accumulate in water plants around the lake, necessitating caution when walking dogs near Tegeler See.
