Overview

• Los Angeles County has recorded 26 suspected canine illnesses tied to the Venice Canals, including five fatalities, with the latest case reported on July 30.
• State water-quality tests by the California Water Quality Control Board identified cyanotoxins in canal water and algae scum, substances known to cause gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms in animals.
• County health officials say they have not yet confirmed that the detected algal toxins are responsible for the sudden onset of lethargy, vomiting, tremors, seizures, and coordination loss in affected dogs.
• Investigators are pursuing broader environmental testing—examining sediments, pesticides, rodenticides and harmful organisms—while compiling veterinary reports and laboratory analyses.
• Residents are urged to keep pets on leashes, avoid any contact with canal water or scum, refrain from using it for drinking or cooking, and report new illnesses to public-health channels.