08/27/2022
Toxic Algae Advisory Update: OHA has expanded the advisory area for the algae bloom in the Willamette River near Cathedral Park to include upstream (south) to the Willamette Cove area near the SP&S Railroad Bridge in North Portland.
Additional advisories are currently posted for:
* Hells Canyon Reservoir in Wallowa & Baker Counties
* Brownlee Reservoir in Baker County
* Upper Klamath Lake in Klamath County
* South Umpqua River: This permanent advisory covers the South Umpqua River from Canyonville downstream to the confluence with the mainstem Umpqua River, and the mainstem Umpqua River downstream past Elkton to Lawson Bar. Pools in the bedrock along the river's edge are known to develop blooms that can be harmful to pets and people if accidental ingestion occurs.
Pets should avoid contact with the affected water in these areas. Dogs have become very sick and even died after swimming in and swallowing water affected by toxic algae.
Not all waterways in Oregon are monitored so if you find thick, brightly colored foam or scum at a lake, pond or river, don’t let your pet drink or swim in the water. Avoid contact with the water, as toxins can be absorbed through the skin. When in doubt, stay out.
If your dog goes into the water:
* Don’t let your pet lick its fur.
* Wash your pet with clean water as soon as possible.
* If your dog has symptoms such as drooling, weakness, vomiting, staggering and convulsions after being in water, seek immediate veterinary care. Acute, life-threatening symptoms from cyanobacterial toxins often develop rapidly. Death can occur within minutes to hours after exposure.
