Toxic Algae Blooms In Waipoua And Hutt Rivers – Dogs And People To Avoid Contact With Water

Red alert level warnings are in place for the Waipoua
River at Columbo Road in Masterton and the Hutt River at
Silverstream Bridge.

Greater Wellington is urging
people not to swim in these river areas, or let their dogs
enter the water. Dog walkers should also avoid the river’s
edge where significant amounts of toxic algae have
accumulated.

Greater Wellington manager of knowledge
and insights Dr Evan Harrison says toxic algae is a
neurotoxin that acts like snake venom, which can be harmful
to humans and lethal for dogs if ingested.

“We
strongly advise people to avoid contact with water, and to
keep all dogs and children away from the river’s edge,”
Dr Harrison says.

“Even a small amount of toxic
algae, the size of a 50-cent piece, can be enough to kill a
dog.”

Dog owners who think their animals have
swallowed toxic algae, or shows signs of lethargy, muscle
tremors, fast breathing, paralysis or convulsions, should go
to the nearest vet immediately.

People who have been
in contact with toxic algae and are feeling unwell, should
see a doctor or ring Healthline on 0800 611 116.

The
community is advised to check the LAWA website for toxic
algae warnings and alerts before visiting rivers in the
Wellington region this summer.

“Toxic algal blooms
form naturally when river temperatures increase,” says Dr
Harrison. “It’s important everyone knows how to spot
toxic algae to keep their pets and whānau
safe.”

Toxic algae grows on rocks in the riverbed
and forms leathery, dark green or black mats, which can
break off and accumulate at the river’s
edge.

Greater Wellington is currently monitoring
popular river swimming spots for toxic algae on a weekly
basis.

To learn more about toxic algae, visit: Greater
Wellington — Toxic algae (gw.govt.nz)

To check
for toxic algae alerts in the Wellington region, visit: www.lawa.org.nz

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