Public Health Update on Investigation of Unexplained Illness in Dogs in Venice Canals Area of City of Los Angeles
The last probable case of the unexplained Venice-area dog illness or death reported to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health was July 30, 2025. With testing thus far, the cause of the 27 suspected canine illnesses and five canine deaths remains undetermined. However, limited specimens were available for testing and some tests are still pending a result.
As part of a comprehensive investigation, Public Health’s Veterinary Public Health program has:
- Conducted community outreach and extensive interviews with pet owners and residents
- Medical records review
- Laboratory testing
- Communicated with veterinarians and medical providers in Los Angeles County via animal health alert messages
- Communicated with the community via social media and other public messaging
Environmental Findings
As part of the investigation, the Water Quality Control Board tested the canal water, algae and scum. Results found the presence of toxins produced by algae, which prompted recommendations from the State Water Board and Public Health that the City of Los Angeles continue to post warning signs per the State's harmful algae bloom guidance and perform biweekly water quality testing until two consecutive tests confirm that cyanobacteria and all other toxins are below advisory levels. A definitive link to the dog illnesses from the presence of toxins produced by the algae has not been confirmed.
Canal Advisory and Safety Guidance
- Avoid swimming in the canals
- Stay away from scum, foam, and cloudy or discolored water
- Do not use canal water for drinking or cooking
- Do not allow pets to enter or drink the water, or to touch or sniff algae, scum, or any debris near the water
- Avoid eating shellfish from these waters
- If you catch fish in this water, throw away fish guts (which can contain toxins), and clean and thoroughly rinse fillets with clean, fresh water. Wash your hands, tools, and any surfaces afterward. When in doubt, do not eat the fish.
Health Effects from Exposure to the Algae-related Toxins
The health effects of the toxins from the algae vary by route of exposure. For humans, the toxins can cause skin rashes, eye irritation, diarrhea, and vomiting. For animals, the toxins can cause diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions and death.
Advice for Pet Owners and Veterinarians
Pet owners who think their pets may be sick should seek immediate veterinary care. Veterinarians who have relevant information should report suspected cases to the Veterinary Public Health Program at (213) 288-7060 or vet@ph.lacounty.gov.
For additional information on harmful algae please visit:
https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/index.html
🔔 Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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