Blue-green algae likely cause of illness and death from Halifax lake

Provincial officials have announced a blue-green algae bloom is the likely cause of illnesses and deaths in a Halifax-area lake.

Deputy Environment Minister Julie Towers says a bloom was observed in Grand Lake and the symptoms of the dogs which died there are consistent with blue-green algae.

Towers says testing for toxins related to blue-green algae, and other possible toxins, is still underway and the source hasn’t been officially confirmed.

An advisory against swimming, boating, or using water from the lake for anything remains in effect.