(KAIR)--A public health advisory is issued for the Atchison County State Fishing Lake.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has placed the lake under a watch status due to blue-green algae.

According to a release from KDHE, a watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. 

People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

The watch is issued in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

The release says boating and fishing on affected bodies of water are safe, but inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Direct contact with water should be avoided, and wash with clean water after any contact.

Any fish caught in affected water should be cleaned thoroughly with only the fillet portion eaten.

The local lake is among three in the state currently under watch status.