Algae toxins found at more locations on Lady Bird Lake, city says

Cover Image

AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Toxins from blue-green algae have been found at more locations around Lady Bird Lake, city officials announced Wednesday.

Toxins have now been detected in algae blooms at Auditorium Shores, Festival Beach, and Red Bud Isle.

The city continues to recommend that dog owners keep their pets away from the lake. Dogs who ingest algae with the toxin could develop a number of symptoms, including respiratory paralysis and death.

Some of the signs of exposure include:
  • Excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhea
  • Foaming at the mouth
  • Jaundice and hepatomegaly
  • Blood in urine or dark urine
  • Stumbling
  • Loss of appetite
  • Photosensitization in recovering animals
  • Abdominal tenderness
  • Progression of muscle twitches
  • Respiratory paralysis

More information is available on the city's website at www.austintexas.gov/algae.