A juvenile cane toad is feared to be on the loose in West Auckland after hitching a ride to this country from Fiji.
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) spokeswoman Philippa White said the toad had arrived in someone's luggage, and inadvertently been released before officials could be contacted.
A mail drophad been made to Henderson residents within 500m of the release point, asking them to look out for the suspect toad.
MAF exotic animal response co-ordinator Amelia Pascoe said that as only a single toad had been released it was highly unlikely that it would become established in New Zealand.
But there was a risk it may have carried new pests and diseases that could threaten our native frog populations, she said.
Characterised by their warty skin, bony ridges over each eye and an enlarged gland on each shoulder, the cane toad can produce a secretion that can cause both skin and eye irritations in humans and a slowing of the heart if ingested.
In extreme cases, animals such as pigs, dogs and cats have been known to die after eating a cane toad.
They can grow up to 15cm in length and range from an olive-brown to reddish-brown on their backs with a brown flecked pale white or yellowish belly.
On advice from the Ministry of Heath, Ms Pascoe said people trying to catch the toad should wear gloves and even protective glasses as cane toads under extreme duress can spray the toxic secretion through skin pores for up to a distance of one metre.
Any exposed skin that came in contact with the secretions should be thoroughly washed, and people should avoid rubbing eyes, smoking a cigarette or eating prior to washing hands.
"If people see an animal they believe to be the cane toad it would be enormous help to us, taking due precautions, if they were able to contain it in a moist container with plenty of air and contact MAF's toll-free number," she said.
Alternatively, if people were reluctant to catch the toad, they could place a bucket with a rock on top of it while contacting MAF, she said.
MAF's exotic disease and pest emergency hotline is 0800 809 966.
