AUSTIN, Texas — The City of Austin has found signs of algae in some popular waterways that could be harmful. According to the city, they are observing mats of blue-green algae, which may be toxic, at Red Bud Isle on Lady Bird Lake and at Walsh Boat Landing on Lake Austin.
Austin first started seeing cyanobacteria, or blue-green blooms, back in 2019, and each year since it’s been a concern for pet owners because it can be deadly.
Dr. Nicole Savageau at Highland’s Pet Medical Clinic said most residents from Austin are familiar with the algae risks, but she wants to make sure newer residents are also aware. When exposed, she explained, symptoms can show up quickly.
“The signs that you would see would be hypersalivation and excessive drooling. Sometimes they’ll have respiratory distress; sometimes they’ll have muscle tremors or stiffness or wobbliness in their gait,” Savageau said.
Experts recommend avoiding algae altogether, as it can be hard to tell the difference between which algae is harmful or not, and sometimes the toxic algae can be mixed in with regular algae.
The city started a program using clay material to try to reduce the algae in these waterways, but that program ended last year. It’s unclear if there are plans to continue it.
For more information on algae blooms, click here. The city is asking residents to report any algae-related illnesses online.