AN ALERT has gone out to dog owners over blue-green algae which has been found in a loch near Lockerbie.
The algae can be fatal for dogs and a number of other species including cattle horses and cats.
It can also be toxic for humans - Dumfries & Galloway Council put out the warning this week.
A spokesman for the council said: “Blue Green Algae has been detected in Mill Loch, Lochmaben.
“Blue green algae is toxic to dogs and livestock and can be fatal.
“Please be cautious in letting livestock or your dog drink from these sources.”
Otherwise known as cyanobacteria it is a microscopic bacteria found in freshwater ponds, lakes, streams, and brackish water ecosystems.
Anyone that needs further information call the council’s Environmental Health on 030 3333 3000.
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