The province is investigating reports of dogs dying after being in and around the Saint John River in the Fredericton area.
They don’t know yet how the animals died but are looking to see if blue-green algae is an issue at Carleton Park in the city and Hartt Island just upriver.
Provincial officials are inspecting the locations, determining the need for sampling, and talking to the dog owners to see if there’s any health risk to humans.
We are aware of reports of dogs dying after being in and around the Saint John River in the Fredericton area. At this time cause of the animal deaths has not been identified. (1/3)
— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) July 25, 2018
Health officials say algae blooms can occur naturally in lakes, rivers and wetlands under the right conditions.
Some of them can produce toxins that may cause skin, eye and throat irritation, and even gastrointestinal illness if swallowed.
In the meantime, the City of Fredericton is telling people to be cautious with their pets around the Saint John River.
The City has been made aware of reports of dogs dying after being in and around the Saint John River. The City has reached out to Provincial authorities for direction and in the meantime is advising the public to use caution with their pets around the river.
— City of Fredericton (@CityFredGov) July 25, 2018
