Blue-green algae are microscopically small bacteria.
© dpa
Due to the danger of blue-green algae toxins, dog owners are currently urged to keep their four-legged friends on a lead when walking around Lake Tegel.
A dog collapsed while on the shore of Lake Tegel a few days ago and died shortly afterwards, according to the Reinickendorf district office. The dog had shown typical symptoms of poisoning with blue-green algae toxins.
These are new types of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) that occur together with aquatic plants. According to the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso), dogs can be harmed if they chew on the water plants or drink water that immediately surrounds the plants. "There is no danger to humans when bathing due to the low concentrations in the open water." A critical threshold value has not been exceeded in recent years.
The Lageso has published a warning for Lake Tegel on its website and recommends avoiding accumulations of aquatic plants on the shore. There are currently no warnings for other bodies of water in Berlin. The Reinickendorf district office plans to put up warning signs again this year to protect dogs at the lake. Blue-green algae toxins were first detected in Tegeler See in 2017. Since then, several dogs have died from intoxication with the blue-green algae toxin shortly after spending time in the water. According to Lageso, toxin levels below the limits set for humans are already dangerous for dogs.