VISITORS to the Meedies should be on the lookout for "potentially hazardous blue-green algae" after reports it has been spotted in the loch.

A dog walking service had posted a photo that appeared to show about the minute organisms, which can prove fatal to animals and lead to severe illness in humans, at Lochore Meadows Country Park.

And there was a warning of the dangers of blue-green algae after a dog died after drinking from a burn in Cupar.

Nigel Kerr, head of protective services at Fife Council, said: “With warmer weather underway, all of us should be on the lookout for blooms of potentially hazardous blue-green algae in bodies of water.

"Some locations have permanent warning signs in place, including Lochore Meadows.

“At the start of the season NHS Fife issued an advisory press release raising awareness of the potentially hazardous blue-green blooms.

"We have liaised with NHS Fife to issue further public advice.”

Blue-green algae are minute organisms which occur naturally in lochs, ponds, reservoirs, rivers and in the sea.

They tend to clump together to form large masses or scums and often appear after periods of prolonged hot weather in waters which have been polluted by agricultural, domestic or industrial discharges.

Some of the algae release poisons into the water and the toxins can cause death to animals either through drinking contaminated water or swallowing quantities of the scum.

NHS Fife said: "People and animals can be affected as a result of direct contact with water affected by blue-green algae and NHS Fife is advising the public, especially dog owners, to be alert to the blooms as temperatures rise.

"Those who accidentally swallow affected water can suffer from complaints such as skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, or pains in muscles and joints. These symptoms are usually mild, but in some cases, can be severe.

"The risk posed by blue-green algae to small animals like dogs is significant over the summer months as they tend to drink more water in the heat and may eat shoreline algal crusts. "Where applicable, dog owners should prevent their pets from coming into contact with water which could be affected."

Fish caught in waters affected by blue-green algae should not be consumed and if any member of the public find areas of water affected with blue-green algae they should inform the council by calling 03451 55 00 22.