Clark County Public Officials are warning people and pet owners about some local waterways – like the Columbia River – testing positive for a new type of toxic algae after a family's dog died when coming into contact with the algae.
During a meeting on May 21, Environmental Health Specialist Maggie Palomaki said Benthic Algae Mats were first tested in October 2024, and often cumulate near the bottom of the water in rivers, streams, and lakes, adding that the mats are “very new to us in public health.”
A two-year-old dog died after coming into contact with the algae in October 2024, marking the case that alerted public health officials of its presence in the county.
“I saw Cedar. I was watching him the whole time and he was out, kind of playing with my … four-year-old and they were kind of digging, playing in the sand together. And then he kind of wandered back over to where we were. I don't think we've been out there for more than like 30 minutes–and wandered back over to where we were. He had that sick dog look in his eyes,” Elise Pang said of their last boating trip of the season.
“I could feel his heart rate kind of going, getting slower and slower. I kind of tried to check his airway. We had no idea at that point what it could be, and so from there I pretty much immediately started doing CPR,” she explained.
The Pang family says Cedar died shortly after. Tests later showed he died from the toxic algae at the lake.
“It was confirmed that he had super high levels of algae in his stomach. That being said, just because he had high levels … it doesn't mean that he had eaten a ton of it. It turns out it could be a really tiny amount that can turn out to be toxic,” Pang said.
According to Clark County Public Health, harmful algae blooms have many names and colors. They thrive in warm, slow-moving water, with colors like brown, green, red, and even teal tints.
During the meeting, Palomaki said officials will frequent areas prone to algae blooms between May-October when the temperatures are warmer.
Oregon has also had a dog die due to toxic algae in the St. Helens area in August 2024.
“We know that this is happening on both sides of the river,” Palomaki said.
For a map of current advisories you can check here.
The Oregon Health Authority also has information on toxic algae blooms here.
