Algal bloom notice at Milford Reservoir, circa 2006 (Image credit: USGS)
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State officials have prohibited skiing, swimming and wading in four lakes because of concerns about high levels of toxic blue-green algae. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the warning Thursday for Memorial/Veterans Lake in Great Bend, Winfield City Lake, Marion Reservoir and Marion County Lake. The state is also advising people to avoid contact with the Old Herington City Lake in Dickinson County, where lower levels of blue-green algae were detected. Skin contact can cause allergic reactions. Ingesting the infected water can cause diarrhea, vomiting and even death. Animals can die from drinking too much water affected by the blooms. The toxic bloom sickened more than a dozen people in Kansas last year and killed at least five dogs.
For advice on how to keep dogs safe from blue-green algae, click here (with particular advice for hunting dogs) or here (for all dogs).