Sea Slug signs back up on North Shore beaches

Signs encouraging people to ensure caution on all North Shore beaches have once again been erected by the North Shore City Council as a precaution, following advice from Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS).

During August and September last year, 15 dogs became unwell with symptoms consistent with tetrodotoxin (TTX) poisoning after eating sea slugs at Hauraki Gulf beaches. Six of these dogs died.

Warning signs have been in place at Narrow Neck and Cheltenham beaches for some time, but given August is approaching and little is known about the reason for the emergence of the slugs at this time last year, caution is now being advised at all North Shore beaches.

Environmental Protection Team Leader Duffy Visser says further research is needed into the slugs including their geographical spread, whether their presence is seasonal and where they are contracting the TTX poison.

“Until more is known about these creatures, we must do whatever we can to ensure our residents are safe, and given we are approaching the time of year they were last seen on our beaches, Council has received advice that signs must go up once again.

“We do not want to alarm our residents, but we ask them to please ensure caution, and ask them to closely supervise their children and pets,” she says.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service advises:
• Parents need to be aware of where their children and pets are swimming or playing, and what they are touching
• Adults, children and pets should not eat anything found washed up on the beach
• Sea slugs on any beach must be avoided. If you find one, mark the spot, and phone Actionline who will arrange for it to be collected
• If you suspect a person or pet has touched a sea slug, thoroughly wash the affected area with fresh water, if available, or sea water, if not.
• If symptoms develop – seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

For further information please call Actionline – 486 8600