Somewhat of a mystery still surrounds the cause of death of a dog who reportedly ingested river water off of Sand Island in early August.
The Oregon Health Authority initially believed the dog’s death was a result of cyanobacteria, a harmful algae. But after further testing, the agency reports no cyanotoxins in the water.
A border collie nearly 3 years of age, Jax, died Aug. 4, after a day in the water off the north point of the popular island, across from St. Helens. Cyanobacteria, also referred to as blue-green algae, thrive in nutrient-rich water and pets, such as Jax, can be particularly vulnerable, due to their small size.
OHA spokesperson Jonathan Modie said Tuesday, Aug. 20, that sampling over a week after the dog’s death found no harmful cyanotoxins in the water near Sand Island.
“Based on results from last Monday’s (Aug. 12) sampling event that showed non-detections of cyanotoxins on the Oregon side of the Columbia, adjacent to Sand Island, and very recent observations by Port of Ridgefield staff along Lake River indicating no bloom present, OHA has determined there is no justification for further sample collection at this time,” Modie said.