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Animal Health Alert: Unexplained illness affecting multiple dogs
in the Venice Canals area
7.31.2025
Key Points:
• The Veterinary Public Health Program (VPH) is currently investigating reports of
unexplained acute onset of severe illness in multiple dogs in the Venice Canals
neighborhood.
• Clinical signs appear to have acute onset and rapid progression. Clinical signs include
vomiting, inappetence, sudden lethargy and weakness or paresis, seizures or tremors,
and sudden collapse.
• Pet owners are advised to keep dogs leashed on walks and prevent them from ingesting
anything while on walks. Dogs should be kept out of the water at or around the Venice
Canals.
• Veterinary staff should collect thorough histories from suspected cases, including
walking routes, travel history, diet (especially new foods or treats), dietary indiscretions,
and possible exposure to pesticides or rodenticides.
• REPORT suspected cases to VPH at vet@ph.lacounty.gov, or call 213-288-7060 (Mon—
Fri, 8 AM—5 PM). Additional testing or necropsy may be available.
Dear Veterinary Colleagues,
On July 28, 2025, the Veterinary Public Health Program (VPH) of the Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health (LAC-DPH) was notified by local residents of multiple dogs in the
Venice Canals neighborhood experiencing acute onset of severe illness with some cases
resulting in death.
Affected dogs were of varying ages and breeds, and reportedly healthy prior to illness. The
onset of clinical signs is typically acute with rapid deterioration in some dogs requiring
emergency care within hours of illness onset. Commonly observed clinical signs include
vomiting, inappetence, sudden lethargy and weakness or paresis, seizures or tremors, and acute
collapse. The cause of illness remains unknown at this time and an active investigation is
underway. VPH will share updates as more information becomes available.
VPH extends our heartfelt condolences to the families and pet owners of the dogs that were
affected or that have passed. We sincerely appreciate the time, effort and valuable information
shared by pet owners and members of the Venice Canals community.
...
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Animal Health Update: Unexplained illness affecting multiple dogs
in the Venice Canals area
8.8.2025
Key Points:
• The Veterinary Public Health Program (VPH) is continuing to investigate reports of
unexplained acute onset severe illness in multiple dogs in the Venice Canals
neighborhood.
• Testing of the canal water, algae and scum by the California Water Boards has
detected the presence of algal toxins: microcystins, anatoxin-a and
cylindrospermopsin. No definitive link between these algal toxins and the dog
illnesses has been established at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
• The City of Los Angeles will post signage around affected canal areas warning
residents and visitors of the potential risk of algal toxins and advising people and
pets to stay out of the canals and away from algae, scum, or any debris near the
water.
• Veterinarians should REPORT suspected cases to VPH at vet@ph.lacounty.gov, and
call: 213-288-7060 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm); additional testing or necropsy may be
available.
Dear Veterinary Colleagues,
The Veterinary Public Health Program (VPH) of the Los Angeles County Department of
Public Health (LAC-DPH) is continuing to investigate reports of unexplained acute onset
severe illness in multiple dogs in the Venice Canals neighborhood. As of today, there have
been 26 canine cases reported, including five canine deaths, with the most recent case
presenting with clinical signs on July 30, 2025. The most commonly reported symptoms in
affected dogs include sudden and severe lethargy and weakness, lack of coordination,
vomiting, tremors, and seizures. The source of the illnesses remains undetermined at this
time.
Experts from multiple programs within the LAC-DPH, as well as from other City, State and
County agencies, have been consulted and are actively participating in this ongoing
investigation. All possible sources for these illnesses are being considered, including
exposure to any pesticides, harmful organisms, or environmental hazards connected to the
Venice Canals area.
Preliminary Environmental Findings
As part of the investigation, the California Water Boards tested the canal water, algae and
scum. Results detected the presence of algal toxins: microcystins, anatoxin-a and
cylindrospermopsin. The health effects of the toxins produced by algae vary by route of
exposure. Clinical signs in animals can include diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, and death.
Please see California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)’s
Veterinarian's Reference for additional information on these toxins.
A definitive link between these algal toxins and the dog illnesses is not confirmed. Out of an
abundance of caution, the City of Los Angeles will post signage around affected canal
areas warning residents and visitors of the potential health and safety risks associated with
toxins produced by algae to both people and pets.
...
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Press Release - August 8, 2025
VENICE CANALS ASSOCIATION RESPONDS TO ONGOING INVESTIGATION OF MYSTERY DOG ILLNESSES AND FATALITIES
Venice, CA – August 8, 2025 – The Venice Canals Association (VCA) shares in the grief felt across our community. Our hearts are with the families who have lost their beloved dogs in the recent weeks. These were not just pets; they were loved members of our community. Every step we take in response to this crisis is in honor of the animals we’ve lost and to protect those still at risk.
Thanks to day-to-day hyper-local communication within the Venice Canals Association and its dedicated Know Your Neighbor (KYN) community communication group, neighbors were quick to recognize a troubling pattern. What began as a few shared concerns rapidly evolved into a grassroots effort to gather data, alert public health officials, and protect local pets. The KYN community network mobilized quickly, posting flyers in the neighborhood that included warnings with a QR code linking to a form for reporting affected animals.
As of August 4, 2025, a total of 33 submissions have been logged through the community intake system: 3 cases in June, 28 cases in July, and 2 environmental hazard reports. Of these, 31 involved dog illnesses, including 7 confirmed deaths and 1 current hospitalization. The mystery illnesses appear to have occurred in two waves:
- Cluster 1: 5 cases / 1 death (June 16–25)
- Cluster 2: 19 cases / 6 deaths (July 19–present)
Cluster Data Source: LA County Department of Health
Data collected through our community intake form has resulted in dogs outside of the Venice Canals neighborhood being affected with this mystery illness, and in one instance, a dog located outside of the Canals has died, who had similar symptoms to the dogs who have become ill inside the Venice Canals.
In response, the VCA has helped coordinate a community-driven effort in collaboration with the L.A. County Department of Public Health, Animal Control, the City of Los Angeles, Councilwoman (CD11) Traci Park, and other state agencies to determine the source of the issues and safeguard local pets.
- “This response demonstrates the positive outcomes that are achievable when residents, city leadership, and local public health agencies collaborate effectively. While this incident may also be affecting areas beyond the Venice Canals, the strength of our close-knit community has enabled us to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our neighborhood.” – Mark Galanty, President of the Venice Canals Association
- “At this time, the environmental testing reviewed has not identified contaminants in the canal water that would explain the recent dog illnesses and deaths. Based on conversations with local pet owners and walking the same routes as affected dogs, it appears that most have had no direct contact with canal water. While the cause remains unknown, ongoing testing and investigation are essential, and I urge pet owners to remain cautious until more definitive answers are available,” said Ashley Oelsen, Marine Biologist from California Coastal Alliance
While the cause remains unknown, most critical cases share an everyday exposure: dogs who have walked along the Venice Canals walkpaths within hours of symptom onset, often showing sudden neurologic collapse.
There is currently no known risk to humans.
A Coordinated Community-Driven Response
In less than a week, a diverse coalition of residents, volunteers, and local agencies came together to respond.
Community Actions to Date:
- Rapid Mobilization: Activated a 15-person “incident cell,” deployed 400+ flyers, and engaged over a dozen local vet clinics.
- Data Capture & Mapping: Built a public intake form and live GIS map; logged 30+ cases and launched a door-to-door “dog census” in the neighborhood.
- Veterinary Coordination: Collected medical records, lab results, and imaging from affected cases; arranged the possibility of a state necropsy and toxicology screening on the most recent fatality
- Environmental Review: Initial water chemistry analysis showed no red-flag contaminants; results from the State Water Board are still pending.
- Agency Coordination: Daily check-ins with L.A. County Department of Public Health, the City of LA, and State agencies; the VCA has provided a unified data packet to officials.
- Risk Mitigation: Daily 9 PM SMS/email alerts to residents with safety reminders to the neighborhood.
- Media Coverage: ABC, NBC, KTLA, KCAL, FOX, LA Times, and the Westside Current
Current Guidance for Pet Owners:
- Avoid the Canals area if possible
- Keep dogs leashed at all times
- Prevent scavenging and drinking from standing water
- Do not allow pets into canal water or dense vegetation
- Report symptoms using the community intake form and refrigerate vet-collected samples
- Seek veterinary care immediately if symptoms appear
Ongoing Efforts by the L.A. County Department of Public Health:
- An Animal Health Alert has been sent to all vets across LA County.
- All veterinarian offices in Service Planning Area 5 are being contacted to identify potential additional cases.
- Affected medical records are under review, and a detailed owner survey is underway.
- A specialty lab at UC Davis will conduct testing on collected samples.
- Environmental agencies are coordinating across city and state departments to identify any potential contamination sources.
We thank Councilwoman Traci Park’s staff, the LA City Department of Sanitation, the LA County Dept. of Health, local veterinarians, and, most of all, the neighbors who reported cases and shared pictures.
The Venice Canals Association remains committed to transparency, fact-based updates, and collaboration. Let’s not forget, it was the day-to-day chatter in our KYN Network that allowed us to recognize this pattern in the first place. In many parts of L.A., similar cases could easily go unnoticed simply because neighbors aren’t sharing information in the same way as we do. We hope to expand this kind of community organizing to other parts of Venice, and eventually across Los Angeles.
We thank our neighbors for staying calm, cautious, and community-minded during this difficult time.
Reporting and Additional Resources:
- Pet owners who believe their dogs may be affected should seek immediate veterinary care.
- To report suspected cases, contact LA County Dept of Veterinary Public Health at vet@ph.lacounty.gov or call 213-288-7060 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM). Additional testing or necropsy may be available.
- Veterinarians and animal health professionals with questions or case data are encouraged to reach out for consultation via the same contact info above.
- Reports can also be submitted using the Animal Disease Reporting Form and emailed to vet@ph.lacounty.gov.
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See also:
California - City of Santa Clara temporarily closes Nuevo Dog Park following illness reports (August 04, 2025)
