The death of a dog near Fredericton two weeks ago was caused by blue-green algae, according to health officials.
Provincial veterinarian Dr. Jim Goltz confirms that the dog was swimming in the Saint John River and came into contact with the plant bloom, which is lethal to dogs.
Test results from the dog returned positive for Anatoxin-A, a deadly neurotoxin.
The UC Davis Veterinary Medicine’s California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory has confirmed that the sample tested positive for Anatoxin-A. The test result has been communicated to the referring veterinarian, who will be notifying the owner of the dog. (2/2)
— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) July 26, 2019
The province is warning dog owners to steer away from the Saint John River at this time, warning of blue-green algae between Woodstock and Fredericton.
Blooms can range in colour from dark green to yellowish brown. Some blue-green algae species can produce toxins, which can impact the health of humans and animals.
At least three dogs who went in the Saint John River died last summer as a result of toxins from blue-green algae.
