Environment Southland (ES) have today (30 Jan) issued a toxic algae alert for the Upukerora River, following the death of a family dog on Sunday (29 Jan).

Terrin Hansen and her family were at the popular Te Anau river for just 20 - 30 minutes when their pet dog - Tora, collapsed.

"She was panting, frothing at the throat like she wanted to vomit, but couldn't."

Terrin Hansen's family dog Tora. Photo: Supplied

" We induced vomiting, and all of a sudden her front legs just started giving way, she was collapsing," Hansen said.

"We phoned the emergency vet and she was still 15 minutes away."

"We rushed to the vet, we were waiting out the front and just within that 15 minutes she declined so fast."

'"She stopped breathing about two to three times."

"We got her in just in time to get her on some oxygen and anti-seizure meds, [however] within two hours she was gone," Hansen said.

Hansen now wonders if her son was exposed to a similar thing a week earlier, after playing at the same spot.

"He got really lethargic.. and fell asleep. And then during his sleeping he started vomiting and it kept going all night," Hansen said.

ES chief scientist Karen Wilson encouraged all river users to take extra care when visiting Southland rivers.

“River users should keep their dogs on a lead until they have checked the river for algal growth or mats of algae floating in the water. Dogs can be attracted to the musty smell of the toxic algae on riverbanks and in the water, and can be poisoned from eating a small amount of the slime or dried slime mats,” she said.

ES staff conducted a visual survey of the Upukerora area today (30 Jan) before issuing the toxic algae alert. They also took samples for testing.

The river is monitored monthly for toxic algae, with no signs present in December 2022. The last time the river had an alert placed on it was January 2022.

Other waterways where alerts are currently in place include the Waiau River upstream of Excelsior Creek and the Hamilton Burn at Affleck Road.

Toxic algae is now present in several Southland waterways.

Algae naturally occur in waterways and can flourish during hot and fine conditions. Most algae are harmless. However, potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) can rapidly bloom to harmful levels. Toxic algae can be recognised in waterways as dark green/brown slime on rocks, or dark brown/black mats at the water’s edge. 

If you experience health symptoms after contact with contaminated water, visit a doctor immediately. If you are concerned that any animals have consumed toxic algae or contaminated water, they should be taken to a vet immediately.

In addition, Environment Southland monitors a number of river and lake sites weekly during summer.

Click here for further information www.es.govt.nz/toxic-algae