Investigations have revealed the presence of cyanobacteria in the Loire, at the origin of the death of eight dogs.
Toxic algae have been identified in the waters of the Loire, the prefecture of Maine-et-Loire confirmed on Friday. These algae are said to be the cause of the death of eight dogs since the beginning of August. “The analyzes carried out at the bathing area of deceased dogs confirmed the presence of two genera of algae from the cyanobacteria family whose toxicity is recognized: Oscillatoria and Formidium “, Specified the prefecture in a press release.
These algae secrete neurotoxins, including toxoid, “demonstrated in several cases of dog mortality in other departments”. “The animals succumbed to neurological, digestive and / or respiratory disorders very quickly after bathing or drinking in the Loire”.
12 poisonings
In Maine-et-Loire, 12 dog poisonings including eight fatal had been reported by veterinarians since August 9 to the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations in the sectors of Montjean-sur-Loire, St Saturnin-sur-Loire, Mûrs-Erigné, St Jean-des-Mauvrets, Le Thoureil and the surroundings of Saumur.
The prefecture calls on animal owners to avoid walking and bathing them “on the banks of the Loire and, in general, in stagnant water”. Regarding the risks for the human population, the prefecture of Maine-et-Loire recalls that it is strictly forbidden to bathe in the Loire. It also invites vigilance “the users of the bathing of Rochefort-sur-Loire, on the Louët, a tributary of the river also concerned by the presence of cyanobacteria”.
Cases in the Cher
At the beginning of August, several cases of fatal dog poisoning had already been reported in the Cher, Indre and Loir-et-Cher, following swimming in the Cher. In Orleans, swimming in the water on Charlemagne Island has been prohibited for more than a week due to the presence of cyanobacteria.
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