The Department of Health and Human Services is reminding recreational
users of the South Fork Eel River to take precautions to avoid contact
with blue green algae. A dog that recently died after swimming on the
South Fork of the Eel River in Mendocino County close to the mouth of
Indian Creek, Piercy, may have ingested blue green algae toxins.
In the summer of 2002 three dog deaths occurred after the animals swam in
areas of stagnant water in the South Fork Eel River. Two of the animals
were reported to experience seizures within 5-10 minutes of exposure to
the water and died soon after. In the 2002 cases, there was a significant
amount of algae in the water where the dogs swam. Two of the deaths were
confirmed by stomach and river water analyses to be most likely due to the
ingestion of blue green algal toxins. The most recent dog death occurred
on Sunday, July 25, 2004. There have been no reports of illness or other
effects involving humans.
Recreational users of the South Fork Eel River and other fresh water
bodies should avoid contact with all algae (“blue green algae” can be many
different colors). The Department of Health and Human Services recommends
the following guidelines for recreational users of all freshwater areas:
1. Keep pets out of areas containing visible concentrations of algae and
do not allow them to drink river water.
2. Avoid contact with water where algae blooms are visible, particularly
dense mats of algae. Do not wade or swim in this water. Do not drink, eat
or handle the algae, and avoid ingesting the river water.
3. Supervise young children at all times, as they are more at risk due to
their small body size.
4. Swimmers should shower and pets be rinsed with tap water immediately
after bathing.
5. Use water-resistant gloves to remove unwanted algae from shorelines.
6. Ranchers should not allow livestock to drink water from contaminated
rivers or streams.
Although there have been no reports of human illness in Humboldt County,
people could be affected by the toxins. Pets and other animals that swim
in or drink river water are most likely to be affected by blue green algae
toxins. However, following the above precautions to avoid contact with
algae or its toxins should prevent an illness or any adverse reaction.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please contact the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of
Environmental Health, at (707) 445-6215 or 1-800-963-9241 for further
information. In Mendocino County, please contact the Mendocino County
Health Division of Environmental Health at (707) 463-4466. If you have
questions about treatment, call your doctor.
Fact sheets on blue green algae including information for veterinary
workers are available at either county office. For further information
concerning animal health, please contact the State Animal Health Branch at
(707) 826-1658.