Cyanobacteria close Bad Lutzmannsburg bathing pond

The district authority of Oberpullendorf officially closed the Bad Lutzmannsburg bathing pond on Tuesday after tests found cyanobacteria levels above the legal limit, ORF reported. The pond will remain closed until further notice.

Measurements recorded 64.84 micrograms of cyanobacteria, compared with a limit of 24 micrograms. The authority attributed the increased bacterial load to the high temperatures and resulting warm water.

Dog owners are being urged to take particular care. Cyanobacteria can produce toxins that may be fatal to dogs if they lick algae from their fur or eat decaying algae material on the shore.

The algae can also pose a risk to people. Swallowing or inhaling large amounts of water may cause nausea, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rashes, collapse or paralysis. Liver damage, respiratory illness and gastrointestinal inflammation are also possible.

According to the district authority, absorption through the skin is unlikely, although skin irritation may occur.