In the heat of the dome, the cool waters of the Tarn river are very tempting. But the prefecture of the department calls for vigilance this Wednesday after the discovery of ” benthic cyanobacteria “, “outside the declared bathing places”. The samples were taken by the Syndicat mixte du Bassin Tarn Aval following the report of the poisoning of a dog.
These cyanobacteria form green, dark brown, or black colored “films” on the surface of pebbles, which can break off and accumulate, forming what looks like clumps of algae around the edges. “In some cases, they can release toxins presenting a risk to the health of humans or animals” which either ingest them or are “in direct contact”, specifies the prefecture. It also points out that no lethal human poisoning has been recorded to date in France.
No ricochet, no frying
The public authorities, however, call on all swimmers or those practicing nautical activities (rowing, canoeing, paddle, etc.) to show “vigilance (…) on all declared or undeclared sites” located on the course of the Tarn. In particular, they recommend preventing children from playing on the banks with pebbles, keeping dogs on a leash and consulting their doctor in the event of the appearance of suspicious clinical signs (gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, vertigo, dizziness) after a swim.
It is also advisable not to eat fried small whole fish caught in the Tarn.