'Toxic' algae in Hawke's Bay rivers poses health risk to dogs

Hawke's Bay Regional Council warns dog owners to be diligent when walking pets near stony rivers due to toxic algae. Photo / File

Hawke's Bay Regional Council has warned dog owners to be diligent about walking their pets near stony rivers due to toxic algae.

The warning comes after several dogs around the region have been unwell and needing veterinary assistance after going near potentially algae-filled rivers and streams.

A HBRC spokeswoman said their guidance is to keep animals out of the water if the toxic algae phormidium is spotted.

"Our advice is to always treat the black growth on rocks in water and the drying mats as toxic, and stay out of the water if you see it," she said.

The chance of coming into contact with potentially toxic algae increases in summer due to warmer temperatures.

The spokeswoman said if you, your family or pet comes in contact with the toxic algae medical assistance should be sought.

"The main risk comes from humans touching it, or dogs eating it. If your child becomes ill after going to the river it's best to take them to the doctor, and to take dogs to the vet," she said.

Dog deaths have occurred due to phormidium poisoning, according to HBRC – the Tukituki river is prone to this algae because of its stony environment.

The council has released a dog owner's guide to algae in rivers.

Phormidium occurs in shallow river and looks "like a blackish mat that forms on rocks", the spokeswoman said.

It has the potential to produce toxins and is a form of cyanobacteria – blue-green algae.

Under certain conditions, this algae has the potential to release toxins into the water at concentrations high enough to be a risk to dogs and humans.

The HBRC have told dog owners to look for the warning signs and to check social media for updates and news on the state of the region's rivers.

The spokeswoman also said to be vigilant about letting dogs or children scavenge at the water's edge if it is expected that phormidium might be present.

She said if the 'black mat algae' peels off the rocks and floats to the riverside it can pose a serious problem.

"If enough of these mats collect at side of rivers, there is a risk that dogs will eat these potentially toxic organisms," the spokeswoman said.

"Dogs are attracted by the musky smell given off as the mats decay."