CHILD & PET SAFETY ALERT: Toxic Algal Blooms Skyrocket in San Joaquin County, Harder Introduces Bill to Protect Pets and Children

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) put families on high alert as the deadly effects of toxic algal blooms skyrocket. Toxic algal blooms grow in San Joaquin waterways and have increased by 250% since 2016. The toxins are passed to children and pets through skin contact, drinking infected water, and even breathing in tiny droplets in the air. The toxins cause symptoms ranging from stomach pain and headaches to neurological issues and liver damage. Hundreds of pets in California die every year because of toxic algal blooms, but because testing doesn’t usually occur, the number of victims is likely at least ten times higher.

Rep. Harder introduced the bipartisan Protect Families from Toxic Algal Blooms Act to help local water districts fight the deadly species. This includes funding for technology to prevent and remove toxic algal blooms.

“This is scary stuff. An afternoon swim with the kids or the family dog can quickly turn into a nightmare if we’re not careful,” said Rep. Harder. “I urge all parents in San Joaquin to take this issue seriously - be on the lookout for water that smells bad, looks green, or has foam on the surface. When in doubt, just stay out. We’ve got to get our local water districts the help they need to clean up this toxic species before things get worse.”

“Toxic algal blooms are incredibly dangerous for dogs, and I couldn’t tell you how many pet owners wish they knew the risks before it was too late. When you see blue-green algae in bodies of water like lakes, ponds, or rivers, the best thing to do is stay away. These cyanobacterial blooms produce toxins that are deadly to dogs and depending on whether the dog drinks the water, licks it off their fur, or gets exposed another way, the situation can turn tragic very quickly. Hundreds of cases of toxic algal bloom poisoning are reported every year in California, but the number of dogs who get sick or die is probably ten times that since most owners have no idea what happened, and testing isn’t usually done after a dog has passed. Removing and preventing toxic algal blooms will help to save lives and prevent dog owners from the heartache of losing a beloved member of their family,” said Dr. Sam Varon, a veterinarian and owner of Venetian Pet Hospital in Stockton.

Also called harmful algal blooms (HABs), toxic algal blooms come from the rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in natural bodies of water, especially during the warm summer months. Signs of a bloom include water that has a foul smell, looks discolored, has foam or scum on the surface, or has dead fish washed up. Resources to protect yourself, your family, and your pets are available here.

Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

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