Latest news with #UKCentreforEcologyandHydrology
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Vet warns pet owners of dangers of toxic blue-green algae on Scotland's waterways
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged dog owners to be careful near bodies of fresh water this summer due to the dangers of toxic blue green algae. Pet owners are being urged to be wary of toxic blue-green algae as the hot summer weather sees it bloom on freshwater bodies. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take precautions when walking dogs near freshwater bodies. The warning comes after several recent reports of algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds and rivers in Scotland and the rest of the UK. Confirmed sightings are identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's (UKCEH) Bloomin' Algae app, which encourages people to submit details and photos if they suspect they have spotted it. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is a group of bacteria that can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock and birds if ingested even in small quantities. The algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water like lakes and ponds. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim. It's also possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don't go for a paddle, as toxic blooms may be blown to the edges of water bodies. British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Dr Rob Williams said: 'Lots of dogs love water and won't hesitate to dive straight in when they see a lake or go for a paddle in a pond. But toxic blue-green algae is very difficult to identify and, if ingested, can make dogs seriously ill and can even be fatal. 'We're urging pet owners to keep their dogs on leads near water bodies where blue-green algae has been confirmed or, if unsure if a water body is safe, to keep them away from it completely as it is not worth the risk. 'With no known antidote for the toxins, prompt treatment is critical to help give affected pets a chance of recovery. "Symptoms can appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure, and commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces. If you have any concerns or are worried your pet may have had contact with blue-green algae, speak to your vet as soon as you can.' Top tips for pet owners Look out for any warning signs near water bodies. Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don't let pets swim in it or drink from it. If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards. Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you're concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae. Report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin' Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area. There are other ways to help your dog keep cool in the warmer weather: paddling pools can give them somewhere to cool off and you should always make sure they have access to clean water and shade if outdoors. The most common symptoms in dogs Vomiting Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Seizures or fitting Weakness, collapse, or unconsciousness Disorientation or confusion Excessive drooling Difficulty breathing
STV News
17-07-2025
- Health
- STV News
Scots dog owners warned over 'toxic' algae amid hot weather
Scottish dog owners have been warned over 'toxic' algae as hot weather continues across the country. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) urged pet owners to take precautions when walking dogs near freshwater bodies due to the warm weather bringing an increased risk of toxic blue-green algae growth. The warning comes after multiple reports of algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds of rivers in Scotland and the rest of the UK. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is a group of bacteria that can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock and birds if ingested even in small quantities. The BVA said the algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water like lakes and ponds. Dogs can swallow the toxic bacteria by drinking water from an affected lake, river, or pond or licking their fur after swimming. It's also possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don't go for a paddle, as toxic blooms may be blown to the edges of water bodies. British Veterinary Association junior vice president Dr Rob Williams said that if ingested, toxic blue-green algae can make dogs 'seriously ill and can even be fatal'. 'We're urging pet owners to keep their dogs on leads near water bodies where blue-green algae has been confirmed or, if unsure if a water body is safe, to keep them away from it completely as it is not worth the risk,' he said. Dr Williams warned that there is no known antidote for the toxins, adding that prompt treatment is critical to help give affected pets a chance of recovery. 'Symptoms can appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure, and commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces.' If owners think their pet has been exposed to the algae, they are urged to contact their vet as soon as possible. Confirmed sightings are identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's (UKCEH) Bloomin' Algae app, which encourages people to submit details and photos if they suspect they have spotted it. Look out for any warning signs near water bodies. Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don't let pets swim in it or drink from it. If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards. Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you're concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae. Report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin' Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area. There are other ways to help your dog keep cool in the warmer weather: paddling pools can give them somewhere to cool off and you should always make sure they have access to clean water and shade if outdoors. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
North Wales Chronicle
11-07-2025
- Science
- North Wales Chronicle
Ladybirds being seen in ‘very high numbers' because of warm weather, expert says
The influx of the creatures at Lord's in London on Thursday distracted players and led to a brief pause in England's contest against India on the first day of the third Rothesay Test. England's vice-captain Ollie Pope called it a first in the sport. 'I've never seen that, no,' he said after the match. 'That's a first that the crowd have got that today.' Ecologist and ladybird expert Professor Helen Roy, from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, said: 'Many species of aphid-feeding ladybird such as the seven-spot ladybird are being seen in very high numbers this year. 'This is a consequence of the high aphid numbers and warm weather. 'People are reporting many sightings to the UK Ladybird Survey through iRecord, which is fantastic. 'If people want to help insects and other wildlife in this weather they can leave shallow dishes with a little water for them. Also, we encourage people to leave the aphids in their garden on roses and other plants so there is plenty of food for ladybirds.' Tim Coulson, professor of zoology and head of biology at the University of Oxford, encouraged people to 'learn to love' ladybirds. 'Warm weather means more aphids because they can complete each generation faster – insects, including ladybirds and aphids, tend to speed up their lives in warm weather,' he said. 'Ladybirds eat aphids, and an abundance of aphids mean ladybirds have a lot to eat. 'People should learn to love the ladybirds. They are effective predators of aphids, which can be a major pest of many plant species. 'Much in the way that wolves keep deer numbers in check in some parts of the world, ladybirds keep aphid numbers down. 'A swarm of ladybirds in a cricket game, even against India, should remind people of the role that predators play in keeping the ecology of earth in a healthy state.' Dr Peter Brown, associate professor in ecology and conservation at Anglia Ruskin University, said the last 'boom year' for ladybirds was during the hot summer of 1976, although there have been years in between when there has been a rise but the locations have been more isolated. 'In 1976 there were a lot of seven-spot ladybirds on the beaches as they searched for food and people thought they were invading – they were not, as they are native to the UK,' he said. Dr Brown, who is an organiser of the UK Ladybird Survey, added that the increase in numbers should be seen as a positive and the current warm conditions were the reason.
South Wales Guardian
11-07-2025
- Science
- South Wales Guardian
Ladybirds being seen in ‘very high numbers' because of warm weather, expert says
The influx of the creatures at Lord's in London on Thursday distracted players and led to a brief pause in England's contest against India on the first day of the third Rothesay Test. England's vice-captain Ollie Pope called it a first in the sport. 'I've never seen that, no,' he said after the match. 'That's a first that the crowd have got that today.' Ecologist and ladybird expert Professor Helen Roy, from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, said: 'Many species of aphid-feeding ladybird such as the seven-spot ladybird are being seen in very high numbers this year. 'This is a consequence of the high aphid numbers and warm weather. 'People are reporting many sightings to the UK Ladybird Survey through iRecord, which is fantastic. 'If people want to help insects and other wildlife in this weather they can leave shallow dishes with a little water for them. Also, we encourage people to leave the aphids in their garden on roses and other plants so there is plenty of food for ladybirds.' Tim Coulson, professor of zoology and head of biology at the University of Oxford, encouraged people to 'learn to love' ladybirds. 'Warm weather means more aphids because they can complete each generation faster – insects, including ladybirds and aphids, tend to speed up their lives in warm weather,' he said. 'Ladybirds eat aphids, and an abundance of aphids mean ladybirds have a lot to eat. 'People should learn to love the ladybirds. They are effective predators of aphids, which can be a major pest of many plant species. 'Much in the way that wolves keep deer numbers in check in some parts of the world, ladybirds keep aphid numbers down. 'A swarm of ladybirds in a cricket game, even against India, should remind people of the role that predators play in keeping the ecology of earth in a healthy state.' Dr Peter Brown, associate professor in ecology and conservation at Anglia Ruskin University, said the last 'boom year' for ladybirds was during the hot summer of 1976, although there have been years in between when there has been a rise but the locations have been more isolated. 'In 1976 there were a lot of seven-spot ladybirds on the beaches as they searched for food and people thought they were invading – they were not, as they are native to the UK,' he said. Dr Brown, who is an organiser of the UK Ladybird Survey, added that the increase in numbers should be seen as a positive and the current warm conditions were the reason.
ITV News
11-07-2025
- Science
- ITV News
Ladybirds being seen in ‘very high numbers' because of warm weather, expert says
Ladybirds are being seen in 'very high numbers' this year because of the warm weather, an expert has said, after a swarm of the insects disrupted play at the cricket. The influx of the creatures at Lord's in London on Thursday distracted players and led to a brief pause in England's contest against India on the first day of the third Rothesay Test. England's vice-captain Ollie Pope called it a first in the sport. 'I've never seen that, no,' he said after the match. 'That's a first that the crowd have got that today.' Ecologist and ladybird expert Professor Helen Roy, from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, said: 'Many species of aphid-feeding ladybird such as the seven-spot ladybird are being seen in very high numbers this year. 'This is a consequence of the high aphid numbers and warm weather. 'People are reporting many sightings to the UK Ladybird Survey through iRecord, which is fantastic. 'If people want to help insects and other wildlife in this weather they can leave shallow dishes with a little water for them. Also, we encourage people to leave the aphids in their garden on roses and other plants so there is plenty of food for ladybirds.' Tim Coulson, professor of zoology and head of biology at the University of Oxford, encouraged people to 'learn to love' ladybirds. 'Warm weather means more aphids because they can complete each generation faster – insects, including ladybirds and aphids, tend to speed up their lives in warm weather,' he said. 'Ladybirds eat aphids, and an abundance of aphids mean ladybirds have a lot to eat. 'People should learn to love the ladybirds. They are effective predators of aphids, which can be a major pest of many plant species. 'Much in the way that wolves keep deer numbers in check in some parts of the world, ladybirds keep aphid numbers down. 'A swarm of ladybirds in a cricket game, even against India, should remind people of the role that predators play in keeping the ecology of earth in a healthy state.' Dr Peter Brown, associate professor in ecology and conservation at Anglia Ruskin University, said the last 'boom year' for ladybirds was during the hot summer of 1976, although there have been years in between when there has been a rise but the locations have been more isolated. 'In 1976 there were a lot of seven-spot ladybirds on the beaches as they searched for food and people thought they were invading – they were not, as they are native to the UK,' he said. Dr Brown, who is an organiser of the UK Ladybird Survey, added that the increase in numbers should be seen as a positive and the current warm conditions were the reason.
