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ELKTON — Lab tests revealed today that one of the several dogs that has died after being in Elk Creek was killed by toxins released from blue-green algae.
One dog that died after exposure to the creek was tested at Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Results confirmed that the neurotoxin anatoxin-a was present in the dog's body, according to a OSU news release.
Four dogs have died in the last several weeks after exposure to the creek, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. The deaths prompted state health officials to monitor the water and then issue a public health advisory Friday for portions of Elk Creek and the Umpqua River, particularly the stagnant pools along the waterways. Water monitoring revealed that toxins from the algae were present in the river and creek.
At least two other dogs in the area have died under similar circumstances, presumably from the same cause, according to the OSU news release.
The advisory, which is still in place, is for Elk Creek from the mouth at the Umpqua River to the Elk Creek Tunnel on Highway 38 and for the Umpqua River from Sawyers Rapids to the mouth of Elk Creek.
Water monitoring showed that the highest levels of the toxins were in the pools adjacent to Elk Creek and the Umpqua River, and residual levels were found at the mouth of Elk Creek.
The toxins, which are typically released when the blue-green algae dies, has not caused any known illnesses in people, said Curtis Cude, program manager for the hazardous tracking program with the state health department. The toxin can cause harm to people, though.
The toxin found in the water causes almost immediate clinical signs, such as muscle tremors, respiratory disease and convulsions. Respiratory paralysis can lead to death within 20 to 30 minutes, according to the release.
“Once ingested, there isn't a lot a person can do,” said Jerry Heidel, director of OSU's veterinary diagnostic lab, in the news release. “... Immediate treatment by a veterinarian is essential, but the prognosis once clinical signs begin is poor.”
Algal blooms occur in standing and slow-moving water during warm weather when there is a good nutrient source to promote growth, according to the release.
“The public needs to be aware that these potentially fatal blooms can occur in any body of standing or slow-moving water,” Heidel said in the release. “If you take your dog for a walk in the woods, or along a drying creek or lake bed, watch for stagnant, often cloudy water that appears to have algal growth.”
One dog that died after exposure to the creek was tested at Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Results confirmed that the neurotoxin anatoxin-a was present in the dog's body, according to a OSU news release.
Four dogs have died in the last several weeks after exposure to the creek, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. The deaths prompted state health officials to monitor the water and then issue a public health advisory Friday for portions of Elk Creek and the Umpqua River, particularly the stagnant pools along the waterways. Water monitoring revealed that toxins from the algae were present in the river and creek.
At least two other dogs in the area have died under similar circumstances, presumably from the same cause, according to the OSU news release.
The advisory, which is still in place, is for Elk Creek from the mouth at the Umpqua River to the Elk Creek Tunnel on Highway 38 and for the Umpqua River from Sawyers Rapids to the mouth of Elk Creek.
Water monitoring showed that the highest levels of the toxins were in the pools adjacent to Elk Creek and the Umpqua River, and residual levels were found at the mouth of Elk Creek.
The toxins, which are typically released when the blue-green algae dies, has not caused any known illnesses in people, said Curtis Cude, program manager for the hazardous tracking program with the state health department. The toxin can cause harm to people, though.
The toxin found in the water causes almost immediate clinical signs, such as muscle tremors, respiratory disease and convulsions. Respiratory paralysis can lead to death within 20 to 30 minutes, according to the release.
“Once ingested, there isn't a lot a person can do,” said Jerry Heidel, director of OSU's veterinary diagnostic lab, in the news release. “... Immediate treatment by a veterinarian is essential, but the prognosis once clinical signs begin is poor.”
Algal blooms occur in standing and slow-moving water during warm weather when there is a good nutrient source to promote growth, according to the release.
“The public needs to be aware that these potentially fatal blooms can occur in any body of standing or slow-moving water,” Heidel said in the release. “If you take your dog for a walk in the woods, or along a drying creek or lake bed, watch for stagnant, often cloudy water that appears to have algal growth.”
• You can reach reporter Marissa Harshman at 957-4202 or by e-mail at mharshman@nrtoday.com.
