By Jessica Naunton Meghan Dansie
Three dogs have died after sniffing around coconuts on a popular off-leash dog beach in Townsville.
Vets are mystified and say the only common factor is the dogs had been playing with coconuts found in the sand.
Veterinarian Alistair Graham-Evans said the three family pets died from acute liver failure this week, falling ill hours after separate visits to the Pallarenda dog beach in Townsville.
“Tragically they have all died despite intensive care,” Dr Graham-Evans said.
“The common factor to all three is that they were all on Pallarenda dog beach and all three were eating, chewing, or playing with coconuts.”
Dr Graham-Evans said his team alerted authorities who were investigating possible toxic exposure to beach coconuts contaminated with blue-green algae.
He said the exact cause of death could only be proven through a post-mortem exam, which the dogs’ owners were reluctant to authorise.
Blue-green algae risk
James Cook University PhD candidate Joseph Perkins said it was possible microorganisms such as blue-green algae, stemming from a larger algal bloom, had attached onto the coconut fibres.
“The cyanobacteria, they’re microscopic organisms and they’re natural within the environment and under certain conditions they can rapidly grow and cause these algal blooms,” he said.
“It seems like what’s happening with this tragic incident is that it could be through contact with these microscopic organisms.”
Mr Perkins said water sample tests could determine if there was an algal bloom off the coast.
Investigation underway
A Townsville City Council spokesperson said in a statement it was investigating the matter and would update the community as soon as possible.
Dr Graham-Evans said he urged pet owners to be cautious about the exposure risk.
“To our knowledge, three dogs have been affected and the circumstances are similar enough to issue a warning,” he said.