Death of at least one dog prompts warning about toxic algae in B.C. lake
The B.C. SPCA is out with a warning for pet owners after 'at least one' dog's death and multiple canine illnesses linked to toxic blue-green algae in a lake in B.C.'s Interior.
The animal welfare organization posted an alert to social media Wednesday saying one fatality has been confirmed this month in a pet that came into contact with toxic cyanobacteria, in Nicola Lake.
'These harmful algae blooms can produce toxins that are extremely dangerous to pets. Even a quick swim or lick of contaminated water can cause serious illness,' the B.C. SPCA's post said.
'Before letting your dog swim or drink from lakes, ponds, or streams, check for posted advisories and avoid any water that looks discoloured, scummy, or has a strange smell.'
An alert from the province's chief veterinarian also notes there have been two suspected cases of poisoning reported this July in pets after swimming in Nicola Lake.
The potentially deadly blooms are most common in stagnant freshwater bodies like lakes and ponds. However, they can also develop in faster-moving rivers and streams, and sometimes in places like fountains or birdbaths, according to the alert.
Signs cyanobacteria may be present include: 'discoloured water, ranging from green, to blue, red, purple or brown; unusual water surface textures that resemble paint or streaks, pea-soup, foam, scum, grass clippings, clumps or mats; and the presence of dead wild birds or fish.'
But the notice also notes the blooms are not always visible and the presence of toxins can't always be determined just by looking at the water.
'Blooms are not always obvious, and you can't tell whether a bloom is toxic by looking at it. If you suspect there is a bloom you should assume toxins may be present,' the advisory continues.
'Toxins can also persist after a bloom has dissipated or moved, so if there has been a recent bloom in the area, you should use caution before entering the water, even if the bloom is no longer visible.'
The blooms are also toxic to humans, but pets are particularly vulnerable to serious illness and fatal poisoning due to the amount of water they ingest while swimming or playing.
BC Parks has an advisory posted for Nicola Lake, saying 'a number' of algae blooms have been reported, and urging people to keep their pets out of the water.
More information on the toxic algae and is available online.
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/cyanobacteria-blooms-blue-green-algae
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
3 hours ago
- Cision Canada
BC Patient Calls for Equal Access to Life-Changing Treatment as Province Lags Behind Rest of Canada
VANCOUVER, BC, August 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Josephine (Joey) Kerr, a retired British Columbian who once led an active and vibrant life, is now calling on the provincial government to fund a life-changing medication that is available to patients in every other province in Canada—but not in BC. Joey was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) in 2019. Since then, she has undergone more than 85 blood transfusions - procedures that take an entire day and leave her exhausted for nearly half the month. "My life has changed drastically," says Joey. "I used to hike, bike, and swim regularly. Now I'm breathless, fatigued, and often too weak to leave the house." For patients like Joey, Luspatercept offers new hope. The medication significantly reduces the need for blood transfusions in MDS patients and is publicly covered in every other Canadian province. Despite its proven benefits, BC remains the only jurisdiction that has not approved public coverage. "It breaks my heart," says Joey. "I know of a woman in another province that went an entire year without a transfusion because of this medication." Beyond the personal toll, repeated transfusions place a significant strain on the healthcare system, requiring hospital resources, blood products, and specialized staff. "This isn't just about one person—it's about improving system efficiency and equity," says Joey. "I'm not asking for special treatment. I'm asking to be treated the same as other Canadians." MedAccessBC Urges Government to Take Action Joey's story highlights a larger, systemic issue that the Medicines Access Coalition – BC (MedAccessBC) has been working to address for over two decades. MedAccessBC represents over 30 patient care organizations and advocates for fair, timely, and equitable access to medications for British Columbians. "We are deeply concerned that patients in BC continue to face barriers to accessing treatments that are standard care in the rest of Canada," says Don Bindon, Co-Chair and Treasurer of MedAccessBC. "BC residents deserve the same level of care and access as all other Canadians. Luspatercept is a clear example where a delay in public coverage is causing unnecessary suffering." As a non-profit coalition, MedAccessBC continues to collaborate with patient communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to ensure that health decisions prioritize outcomes and do not compromise patient well-being in the name of cost containment. Call to Action MedAccessBC is urging the provincial government to approve and fund Luspatercept through the BC PharmaCare program without further delay. Joey Kerr's message to decision-makers is simple: "Help me live the rest of my life with dignity, energy, and independence. Let me have the chance to walk, swim, and maybe even ride my bike again." About Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are a group of diseases where bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells. Instead, the bone marrow makes immature blood cells, called blast cells (blasts), that do not work properly. They build up in the bone marrow and the blood and crowd out healthy blood cells. As a result, there are fewer healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In the past, an MDS was classified as a disease that was not likely to develop into cancer, and it was called pre-leukemia. Now that more is known about MDSs, they are considered cancer. Sometimes, they are called bone marrow failure diseases. An MDS will develop into acute myeloid leukemia (AML) about 30% of the time. (Canadian Cancer Society) About the Medicines Access Coalition of BC MedAccess BC advocates for improved access to medications and health technologies for individuals with chronic diseases. Representing over 30 patient organizations, it has been working since 1997 to improve access to evidence-based medicines through BC's PharmaCare program.
CBC
21 hours ago
- CBC
Trades workers among most susceptible to toxic drug deaths, new data suggests
New data from the B.C. Corners Service suggests those working in the trades industry are among those most susceptible to toxic drug deaths. The data stems from a report that monitored the occupations of those who died from toxic drugs over a three-year period.
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
No doctors at Mission Memorial Hospital ER Sunday night
An entrance to Mission Memorial Hospital is seen on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. (CTV) Due to a lack of available physicians, there will be a 'temporary service interruption' in the emergency department at Mission Memorial Hospital in B.C.'s Lower Mainland Sunday night. Anyone who arrives in the emergency room after 5 p.m. will not be seen by a doctor, Fraser Health said in a memo sent at 1 p.m. Those who arrive before that time will be seen by a physician before they end their shift at 11 p.m. After that, there will be no doctors in the ER but nurses will be on-staff to 'support walk-in patients needing basic care, assist with re-direction of care, and/or transfer patients with urgent needs to a neighbouring hospital.' Fraser Health asked anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency to call 911 for transport to the 'nearest available and appropriate facility.' The 'service interruption' is scheduled to last until 8 a.m. Monday. 'All other Fraser Health Emergency Departments remain open and have emergency physicians on site; however, high numbers of people seeking care and human resources challenges at many of our hospital emergency departments may lead to longer wait times for patients with non-urgent care concerns,' the health authority wrote. Mission Memorial Hospital's ER has diverted patients at least three times this year. While ER closures are a common occurrence in B.C.'s smaller communities, staffing issues have begun periodically disrupting service at Vancouver-area hospitals in recent years.
