The announcement was expected: cyanobacteria are the cause of the death of several dogs who had bathed in Lake Neuchâtel, between Colombier and the mouth of the Areuse, two weeks ago.
Analyzes carried out on the contents of the stomachs of two of the deceased animals confirm this, indicates a statement released this Friday morning. Filaments of two types of cyanobacteria (Tychonema, Phormidium / Microcoleus), known to produce neurotoxins, have been detected by a Berlin laboratory.
This Thursday, we revealed that a new colony had been discovered a few hundred meters from the mouth of the Areuse. Swimming for dogs at this location is strongly discouraged.
Read also: New cyanobacteria spotted not far from the mouth of the Areuse
Caution remains in order
Thus, the caution notice issued on August 5 is maintained. In hot weather, beware of stagnant, shallow water and the presence of questionable algae clumps on the surface. The risks to human health are very limited, but special attention must be paid to young children so that they do not drink the water from the lake and that they do not put algae or pebbles in their mouths, for example.
On the other hand, cyanobacteria are clearly dangerous for pets and can lead to the death of the animal. It is therefore strongly recommended not to let them bathe or drink in places indicated by the authorities.
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