AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Harmful toxins have been confirmed in blue-green algae samples from Lady Bird Lake, city officials announced Monday.
Researchers at the University of Texas confirmed the presence of dihydroanatoxin within the samples taken at Festival Beach and Red Bud Isle. That's the same toxin that was found in algae samples last summer, when at least five dogs died after swimming in the lake.
Officials say the toxin is contained within the algae and has not been released into the water - an important detail, meaning that exposure to the toxin would occur through touching or ingesting the algae, not through contact with the water.
City officials recommend the following:
- You do not allow your dog to swim in or drink from Lady Bird Lake.
- People avoid handling the algae.
- If your dog does get in the water:
- Avoid stagnant areas or areas with algae.
- Rinse your dog after contact with the water.
- If your dog becomes sick after swimming, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.
If you allow your dog to swim in Lady Bird Lake, you do so at your own risk.
The city says dog owners should take their pets to a veterinarian immediately if their dogs become sick after swimming in Lady Bird Lake. Some of the symptoms 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
Officials say weekly monitoring of algae blooms at four locations around the lake will continue until further notice.
More information is available on the City's website at www.AustinTexas.gov/algae.
