-
Dogs exercising on beach - Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
Related
People have been warned to take care after reports of dog and sea life deaths on Auckland's eastern beaches and within the Hauraki Gulf.
Various agencies are investigating the deaths to determine the cause.
Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) said it is unable to rule out risk to the public until results are received.
The matter is considered so serious, ARPHS is warning:
-People should avoid exercising pets along Hauraki Gulf
beaches;
-Children should not be taken to Hauraki Gulf beaches;
-People should avoid contact with sea water and sea life in the
Hauraki Gulf;
-People should not collect shellfish from the Hauraki Gulf.
A dog died at Browns Bay beach last month, and a second death was reported this week on Cheltenham Beach, Devonport.
Two other dogs were reported to have become ill without dying.
Residents have been advised not to walk their dogs on the beach but North Shore District Council environmental health team leader Duffy Visser said she hasn't heard of people being affected.
"That is a big concern, but there are no reports of people suffering yet," she said.
"Usually if there is a toxic algae it is more along the lines of an allergic reaction but we haven't heard of anything yet.
"Fortunately there are not many people using the beach at the
moment but there are some so we are keeping an eye on that."
Checks have been inconclusive as to the cause of the deaths and
illnesses, Visser said.
Some test results from this week's death have been sent away but
results are not likely to be available until Friday.
On Tuesday North Shore City Council Environmental Protection team
held a meeting with representatives from Rodney District Council
and Auckland Regional Public Health.
North Shore City Council is working closely with Auckland Regional
Public Health, the Department of Conservation, MAF and other local
councils in terms of sharing information and working
together.
Authorities want people to let their local vets know, if
they have had any issues with their dogs in the affected
areas.
Also, if you are aware of any fish deaths, please
contact the Emergency Pest and Disease hotline on 0800 809966. They
operate 24/7.
