PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING

MEDIA RELEASE

1830 Friday 14 August 2009

Public warned to continue taking care on Auckland beaches

Tests have identified the toxin associated with the death of a dog after a visit to Narrow Neck Beach as tetrodotoxin.  This is the toxin found in tropical puffer fish.  The toxin has also been found in a sea slug sample taken from the beach.

This substance is extremely toxic and potentially fatal to humans and animals. It is not known how the slug came to contain the toxin and investigations are continuing.  While evidence of the toxin has not been found on other beaches it is too early to rule this out. This may also be the toxin that  has affected other dogs.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) is advising continued caution and is strongly recommends that the public follows this advice:

·         Dogs and children should not be taken to Hauraki Gulf beaches

·         Other visitors to the beach should not handle any marine life, in particular any dead marine life or birds.

·         People should not swim from beaches but swimming off boats is considered safe

·         People should not collect shellfish from beaches within the Hauraki Gulf
However the ARPHS is not advising any on going restrictions on recreational fishing.

Pet owners are advised to contact their local veterinary clinic should their pet develop symptoms from exposure on the beach. People developing any symptoms within approximately an hour of exposure to sea water or sea life should seek immediate medical attention. 

Further questions relating to public health issues and water safety can be directed to: Auckland Regional Public Health Service 623 4600.

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