Note the guy standing right near the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano. Very risky to even take such footage.
All animals, including humans, can suffer from breathing problems, itchy and irritated eyes, runny nose, a sore throat, and a dry cough due to exposure to the ash, which still hangs over Iceland, Scandinavia, Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.
Birds, such as this canary, are particularly vulnerable to health problems posed by breathing chemicals and particles in the air. Credit: L.E. MacDonald.
The BVA advice to pet owners is
- if you notice any symptoms or smell sulfur, rotten eggs or a strong acidic smell take reasonable action to protect your pets by limiting their time outdoors
- any pets with respiratory problems should be well protected from the atmosphere
- cover outdoor aviaries to protect birds
- find suitable shelter for any pets that usually live outdoors.
Bill Reilly, President of the British Veterinary Association, said, “At this stage we don’t know for certain what the impact of the volcanic ash on human and animal health will be but we know that dusty particles can cause irritation to eyes and the respiratory system so it makes sense for everyone to take sensible precautions for themselves and their pets."
“Pet owners should limit the amount of time that they and their animals spend outside if they detect the ash and consult a vet if they have any concerns about the health of their pets.”
The Health Protection Agency is monitoring the situation and providing advice to the public. For more information, please visit the HPA website: http://www.hpa.org.uk
Tags: Animals, Current Events, Health, Mammals, Pet Birds
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