Dog deaths from algae on beaches unusual, says expert

An expert in environmental toxins says dogs falling ill from algae on beaches is virtually unheard of in New Zealand.

Two dogs have died and the bodies of other sea life have been washing up on Auckland's North Shore.

The Cawthron Institute in Nelson is helping to investigate the cause. Scientist Dr Susie Wood says they are pretty sure an algal neurotoxin is to blame, but the beach setting is unusual.

"We certainly see it around our rivers . . . we have some freshwater algal species that produce toxins. Last summer we probably saw 15 to 20 dog deaths around New Zealand - but not at beaches."

Dr Wood says it could also be something like a new jellyfish species.

"It might go away next week and we might not have anymore dog deaths for six months or a year, but we think if it really is an algal thing it will happen again so we'd really like to know what the cause is now so in the future we don't have the same problems."

Dr Wood says algal mats seem to five off an odour which attract dogs.

- NEWSTALK ZB