Idaho Residents Fear For Pets As Toxic Algae Bloom Grows

Blue-green algae is churning up fear that human and animal life might be at risk this summer after the death of a dog was attributed to toxins in lake water.

In July, “a veterinarian notified health officials of the sudden death of the dog earlier this week, and blue-green algae toxins were initially suspected to be the cause. MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter in McCall, ID, warned the public on Facebook that the dog might have died from an algae bloom on popular Payette Lake,” the Idaho Statesmen reported.

But now it appears the algae bloom was not to blame, according to authorities. State regulators “found no evidence of a bloom, or high concentration of the algae, where the dog had been drinking the water — near the boat launch at Ponderosa State Park,” the report said.

Stephanie Jenkins, a senior watershed analyst for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, investigated the claim.

“The water was very clear. There were no indications of a bloom, but I did take samples,” she said. “We should have those back tomorrow. It’s very unlikely that we would get a result that would suggest a bloom.”

The Facebook alert from the shelter, posted in July, read as follows: “Please be aware: this toxic algae may be in bloom early (now) near Ponderosa State Park on Payette Lake. Unfortunately, someone in our community lost their dog because of this yesterday.”

The Pet Poison Helpline, a safety service for animals, says cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, poses a “moderate to severe” threat to cats, dogs, horses, cows, and birds:

All blooms should be considered potentially toxic. Very small exposures, such a few mouthfuls of algae-contaminated water, may result in fatal poisoning. Dogs that enjoy swimming and playing in lakes and ponds may be exposed to blue-green algae. Hunting dogs are especially predisposed due to increased exposure outdoors. Clinical signs of poisoning are dependent on the toxin involved.

Cyanotoxins are on the EPA's Candidate Contaminant 3 List, which enumerates harmful contaminants for potential regulatory action.

The federal Centers for Disease Control says cyanobacteria may also pose a threat to people. Such growths “are examples of algae that can bloom and produce toxins that may be harmful to human and animal health,” the agency says.

To read more of the latest algal toxin news, visit Water Online’s Source Water Contamination Solution Center.