Canine Dies After Swimming in Eel River; Health Officials Warn of Dangerous Algal Blooms | Misplaced Coast Outpost

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Press launch from the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services:

Environmental well being officers are warning group residents to be on the
lookout for dangerous algal blooms after a canine died on Thursday, July 23, a
quick time after swimming in a gradual, stagnant pool of water off the Eel River
close to Scotia.

Typically, warnings about cyanobacteria and dangerous algal blooms (HABs)
come out between late July and early August, coinciding with low flows and
sustained excessive temperatures within the inland areas which can contribute to
cyanobacteria development in native rivers and lagoons.

While most cyanobacteria don’t have an effect on animals or individuals, some are succesful
of manufacturing toxins that may be dangerous. Dogs and kids are most probably to
be affected due to their smaller physique dimension and tendency to remain within the
water for longer durations of time.

Freshwater HABs can seem as darkish inexperienced, blue-green, black, orange or
brown water or can happen as mats and generally create scum or foam on
the riverbed or on the water. However, toxins produced by HABs could also be
current with out visible indicators.

Officials suggest the next tips for leisure customers of contemporary
water areas:

• Keep youngsters, pets and livestock from swimming in or ingesting water
containing algal scums or mats.

• Adults also needs to keep away from wading and swimming in water containing
algal blooms. Try to not swallow or inhale water spray in an algal
bloom space.

• If no algal scums or mats are seen, it is best to nonetheless fastidiously watch
younger youngsters and warn them to not swallow any water.

• Fish ought to be consumed solely after eradicating the heart and liver and
rinsing fillets in faucet water.

• Never drink, cook dinner with or wash dishes with water from rivers, streams or
lakes.

• Get medical consideration instantly when you suppose that you simply, your pet or
livestock might need been poisoned by cyanobacteria toxins. Be positive to
inform the physician or veterinarian about doable contact with cyanobacteria
or algal blooms.

• Join or assist one of many many watershed and river organizations.

Since 2001, there have been 14 documented canine deaths domestically the place the
canines died shortly after swimming in Big Lagoon, the South Fork Eel River or
the Van Duzen River. In every occasion, water samples confirmed the
presence of cyanobacteria within the water. In July 2021, the confirmed presence
of cyanobacteria within the Trinity River east of Willow Creek is believed to have
contributed to a canine’s loss of life that had occurred weeks earlier than. The most
current documented occasion was in 2024 when two canines died a short while after
swimming in a small pool off the Eel River close to Fernbridge in early
September.

To study extra about cyanobacteria and dangerous algal blooms, go to the state
of California’s web site at mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/index.html.

To report a bloom, e-mail CyanoHAB.Reports@waterboards.ca.gov or name
844-729-6466 (toll free). Blooms will also be reported by way of the “bloomWatch”
app which is accessible at no cost obtain on iTunes or Google play.

For info on circumstances in Humboldt County, contact the Humboldt
County Department of Health & Human Services Division of Environmental
Health at 707-445-6215 or 800-963-9241. Photos of suspected blooms can
even be emailed to envhealth@co.humboldt.ca.us.