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Source: ONE News
A health warning has been issued after potentially toxic algae was found in the Hurunui River in North Canterbury.
The Canterbury District Health Board says people and animals, particularly dogs, should avoid the river downstream of the Hurunui Bridge on State Highway One until the warning about the algae, benthic cyanobacteria, has been lifted.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink said the algal mats can
produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.
Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness
around the mouth and fingertips, Pink said.
He said if anyone experiences any of these symptoms they should visit their doctor immediately and let the doctor know if they have had contact with dark brown/black algal mats or water in this area.
No one should drink the water from the river at any time, Pink said.
Boiling the water from the river does not remove the toxin.
Animals should be taken to a vet immediately if they come into contact with the
contaminated water.
Environment Canterbury is monitoring the site and the public will be advised of any
changes in water quality, Pink said.
The algae appears as dark brown/black mats attached to rocks along the riverbed.
It occurs naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer months.
The algae often has a strong musty smell and algal toxin concentrations can vary over
short periods with changing environmental conditions.
Although high river levels will remove the algal bloom, detached mats can accumulate along the shore and increase the risk of exposure to toxins.
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