The toxic bacteria has been found in several areas.

Authorities in Northern Ireland are urging the public to take extra care when visiting coastal areas, rivers and lakes after blue-green algae was found in a number of locations.

Blue-green algae, which is highly toxic to pets such as dogs as well as being harmful to humans, has been found in Lough Neagh, the Lower Bann, the Fermanagh lakes and north coast bathing waters.

As well as continuing to respond to reports of suspected cases and putting emergency pollution responses in place, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is commissioning an urgent review of existing policies to see if more can be done. Meetings have also been held with the Department for Infrastructure, Public Health Agency, Food Standards Agency, and councils.

According to DAERA, the increase in blue-green algae blooms this year has been driven by a number of factors, including excess nutrients from agriculture and waste water systems, weather conditions, and zebra mussels, an invasive species, disturbing the ecological balance in Lough Neagh.

A Northern Ireland Environment Agency spokesperson said: “The public should be vigilant and adhere to any warnings not to enter water or let their pets come into contact with algae along the shoreline – it can be highly toxic to animals.

“We are also asking the public to report any sightings of blue-green algae to our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or email: emergency-pollution@daera-ni.gov.uk.”

Members of the public can also report suspected blue-green algae sightings via the Bloomin' Algae app.

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