Clark County public officials are warning residents and pet owners about a new type of toxic algae found in local waterways, including the Columbia River. The warning comes after a family’s dog died after exposure to the algae.
At a meeting on May 21, Environmental Health Specialist Maggie Palomaki explained that Benthic Algae Mats were first detected in October 2024. These algae mats usually build up near the bottom of rivers, streams, and lakes. Palomaki said this type of algae is “very new to us in public health.”
The warning followed the death of a two-year-old dog in October 2024. The dog died after coming into contact with the algae, alerting public health officials to the algae’s presence in the county.
Elise Pang, the dog’s owner, shared her experience from their last boating trip of the season. “I was watching Cedar play with my four-year-old. They were digging and playing in the sand together. After about 30 minutes, Cedar wandered back to us with a sick look in his eyes,” she said.
Pang added, “His heart rate was slowing down. I tried to check his airway. We didn’t know what was wrong, so I started CPR right away.”
Sadly, Cedar died soon after. Tests later confirmed he died from the toxic algae in the lake.
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