Latest news with #coconuts
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Pet owners warned after three dogs die at popular Aussie beach: 'Be very careful'
A warning has been issued to pet owners after three dogs died recently at a popular off-leash beach, with the only common factor being that the animals played with coconuts lying around on the sand. In the space of only two weeks, three dogs passed away after visiting Pallarenda Dog Beach. Townsville Council told Yahoo News that "while the exact cause [of the deaths] remains unknown", it is believed that naturally occurring toxins often found in mouldy coconuts led to the deaths. Despite receiving intensive care, the dogs died from acute liver and kidney failure after being rushed to a vet, with two of the dogs belonging to the same devastated owner, the Townsville Bulletin reports. Authorities are now urging owners to keep their dogs away from the fallen coconuts. "Pet owners are advised to keep their dogs away until further notice and prevent their pets from chewing or playing with fallen coconuts or drinking from puddles," the council spokesperson said, confirming an investigation was underway. 🏖️ Pet owner's urgent warning after dog almost dies following trip to beach 😲 Footage of 'terrifying' backyard moment in Aussie pool shocks millions 🦮 Aussie's five-year legal battle with council over pet dogs Dr Taleta Hompas, the Managing Director for NQ Care where the dogs were treated, told the ABC the deaths were likely caused by aflatoxin, a toxin produced by moulds growing on nuts or grain. "The assumption that we've made is due to playing with those old coconuts, so those coconuts might have had some of this toxin within them and the dogs have ingested that while they were playing with it," Dr Hompas said. "Our suspicion based on blood work and the clinical signs of the dogs is that the most likely cause of death is something called aflatoxin." Alongside Townsville City Council, Dr Hompas is pushing awareness of the incidents in a bid to stop any more dogs dying. "What we really want is to raise people's awareness when they are at the dog beach, and just be very careful of what their dogs are potentially coming in contact with or ingesting," she said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
ABC News
4 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Council investigates dog deaths linked to Townsville beach
Three dogs have died after sniffing around coconuts on a popular off-leash dog beach in Townsville. Vets are mystified and say the only common factor is the dogs had been playing with coconuts found in the sand. Veterinarian Alistair Graham-Evans said the three family pets died from acute liver failure this week, falling ill hours after separate visits to the Pallarenda dog beach in Townsville. "Tragically they have all died despite intensive care," Dr Graham-Evans said. "The common factor to all three is that they were all on Pallarenda dog beach and all three were eating, chewing, or playing with coconuts." Dr Graham-Evans said his team alerted authorities who were investigating possible toxic exposure to beach coconuts contaminated with blue-green algae. He said the exact cause of death could only be proven through a post-mortem exam, which the dogs' owners were reluctant to authorise. James Cook University PhD candidate Joseph Perkins said it was possible microorganisms such as blue-green algae, stemming from a larger algal bloom, had attached onto the coconut fibres. "The cyanobacteria, they're microscopic organisms and they're natural within the environment and under certain conditions they can rapidly grow and cause these algal blooms," he said. "It seems like what's happening with this tragic incident is that it could be through contact with these microscopic organisms." Mr Perkins said water sample tests could determine if there was an algal bloom off the coast. A Townsville City Council spokesperson said in a statement it was investigating the matter and would update the community as soon as possible. Dr Graham-Evans said he urged pet owners to be cautious about the exposure risk. "To our knowledge, three dogs have been affected and the circumstances are similar enough to issue a warning," he said.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Officials take action as global coconut supply faces critical challenges: 'If you change or replace fresh coconut milk, the taste fails'
A popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines is struggling to survive. Coconuts are beginning to disappear as Southeast Asia faces an increase in extreme weather. With a shrinking global supply of the fruit, many are in danger of losing access to a crucial aspect of their culture. Coconuts and their milk are vital to the food culture of many nations, particularly across Asia. The world's top coconut-producing countries make up just a few that rely on coconuts in their cuisine. The Philippines, Indonesia, and India are estimated to produce about 72% of the world's coconut supply. In recent years, these top producers have experienced an increase in extreme weather, from drought to "supercharged" typhoons. Extreme weather can be an indicator of larger climate change-related events. Not all cultures that rely on coconut products in their cuisine produce the fruit. The coconut trade dates back to ancient times, allowing broader access to it as an ingredient. Malaysia, for example, imported more than 600 metric tons of coconuts in February to stabilize its domestic supply. "Coconut milk is the heartbeat of Malaysian food," one Malaysian restaurant owner told Bloomberg. "If you change or replace fresh coconut milk, the taste fails." As coconut-producing nations continue to see their supply strained, they've started passing laws to limit exports. Farmers and lawmakers in Indonesia are having difficulty agreeing on a proposed ban on exporting the fruit for six months, while the Philippine Coconut Authority said it's in talks with producers to keep a portion for domestic sale. Right now, agencies like the World Meteorological Organization are monitoring extreme weather events across the globe in an effort to determine if climate change is the cause. Once enough data has been collected, a solution can be reached. In the meantime, alternatives for coconut and coconut milk may be the way to go. The United States was the second-largest importer of coconut products in 2023, bringing in more than $143 million worth. If countries that don't traditionally rely on the fruit can avoid using it, we can protect it for cultures that require it as a staple. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
