POISONOUS algae which can kills dogs and harm humans has been found in a popular country park.

Dog owners have been urged to stay away from the pond at Cherry Orchard Country Park, in Rochford, after Environmental Agency tests confirmed it was infected with blue-green algae.

It produces toxins which can be deadly to animals and cause skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and muscle and joint pain in people if they swim through algae or swallow it.

Warning signs have been put up at the park by Rochford District Council.

Marcus Hotten, the council’s assistant director for environment, said nothing can be done to remove the alage- which is expected to go naturally once temperatures drop.

He said: “We have now had the blue-green algae confirmed by the Environment Agency.

“It is a natural occurrence in mild and warmer weather.

“It tends to disperse naturally when the weather gets colder. Until then, we would ask the public to ensure they and their pets avoid contact with the water in the ponds.”

Phil Capon, 52, of Rochford Garden Way, Rochford, believes more needs to be done to warn park visitors of the risks the algae poses.

He said: “I had to warn my mum as she walks her dog there everyday.The lake should be cordoned off.”

Blue-green algae has been a problem on Canvey in previous years.

A dog became seriously ill after taking a dip in the lake at Canvey Heights Country Park in 2012.

In June this year more than 100 fish died because of the harmful bacteria, which starved the water of oxygen and suffocated them.

Canvey Town Council told the Echo they are no currently reports of algae in the lake.

Former councillor and activist Paul Collins, who lives next to Orchard Country Park, said: “It is a shame that it has happened but it is not a new phenomenon. It has happened before and it happens naturally in hot weather.

“The council are doing the right thing at warning people and they put cordons around the pond and posters to warn dog owners.

“Dog walkers would be foolish if they ignored the signs.”

Rochford parish councillor Jo McPherson added: “If the council have said it is dangerous, it is common sense to listen to that.

“Being a dog owner, I will be keeping my dog on a lead and out of dangerous areas.”

Temperatures are expected to soar next week, sparking fears the algae will continue to be dangerous to park visitors into the end of the month.

To report suspected blue-green algae in other areas of south Essex, call the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60.