Health warning issued after toxic algae found in Ashley- Rakahuri River

There are also other access points along the Ashley / Rakahuri River that may have cyanobacteria present and people are advised to check for the presence of cyanobacteria and avoid contact.

Canterbury District Health Board's Community and Public Health unit have issued a health warning after potentially toxic blue-green algae (benthic cyanobacteria) were found in the Ashley / Rakahuri River near the Rangiora-Loburn Bridge.

There are also other access points along the Ashley / Rakahuri River that may have cyanobacteria present and people are advised to check for the presence of cyanobacteria and avoid contact. People and animals, particularly dogs, should avoid the area of the Ashley / Rakahuri River near the Rangiora-Loburn Bridge until the health warning has been lifted.

Dr Ramon Pink, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says the algae look like dark brown to black mats and can produce toxins harmful to people and animals.

"Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips," Dr Pink says. "If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately, also let your doctor know if you've had contact with dark brown/black algal mats or water in this area." "No-one should drink the water from the river at any time, even after boiling the water from the river, it does not remove the toxin, therefore, should not be consumed," Dr Pink says.

Pets should be taken to a vet immediately if they are showing signs of illness after coming into contact with algal mats. People and animals should remain out of the waterways until the warnings have been lifted. Environment Canterbury is monitoring the sites and the public will be advised of any changes in water quality.