Warm weather in N.S. prompts reminder to be on guard for harmful blue-green algae

As the weather gets warmer, a warning for Nova Scotians to be on the lookout for blue-green algae as its toxic blooms can be deadly to pets and make people sick.

As the weather gets warmer, there’s a warning for Nova Scotians to be on the lookout for blue-green algae, which can be found in lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams.

A provincial water specialist with the Department of Environment and Climate Change says there have already been signs of the harmful bacteria in the water.

“We have received reports of blue-green algal blooms already this year in the province and at least one of those has been validated as a definite toxin-forming bloom,” says Cameron Deacoff.

He says the toxins can pose a risk to people, children, and pets.

Adults may experience mild symptoms like irritated skin and eyes, sore throat, swollen lips, fever, and nausea.

But the consequences can be deadly for animals.

“Dogs like to eat all kinds of gross things, and this is one of those things that attracts dogs,” says Deacoff. “And the mats that form on the bottom can produce very toxic, very high concentrations of these toxins and that’s what has led to the deaths of dogs in our province.”

To raise awareness about blue-green algae, the province has launched a pilot project at provincial parks.