Sea slugs 'poisoning NZ dogs to death'
Courtesy of the ABC
Scientists in New Zealand believe they have discovered what has been killing dogs on a number of beaches around Auckland.
Up to four dogs have died after a run on the beach, and many more have got sick. Scientists believe a highly toxic sea slug is to blame.
They tested the contents of the dog's stomachs and found the same compound which is carried by the slugs.
But the scientists still do not know why so much bird and marine life has been washing up on the city's beaches.
A lot of penguins and fish have been dying, but they don't eat sea slugs.
Mike Lee from Auckland's Regional Council believes pollution from dairy farming might be responsible.
"That much nutrient going into the gulf is bound to cause some effects in terms of weird and wonderful toxic algal responses," he said.
Signs have been put up warning Aucklanders to keep their children and pets off several beaches.
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Spooled
Posts: 486
Date Joined: 06/08/05
Sea Slugs in Geraldton
We have had cases of this in geraldton but they are only around in the summer months while the water is warm. It is a real concern especially when giving the dog the opportunity to free his legs on the beach. we live 100m from the beach and are down there every day. We had a number of cases in gero last year where dogs had licked these sea slugs and yes the toxin that is released does not sit well with dogs and 2 to 3 known cases ended in death. Not a nice result.
I suppose all should keep their eyes peeled for these slugs in the upcoming months as we start to head into warmer weather.
poddyfish
Posts: 986
Date Joined: 01/05/07
yup
your the one we gotta watch from lickin slugs spooled! haha long walks on the beach haha off in a hidden sand dune! nah its not nice gonna have to watch your boy down there budda! and watch him dodgin cars aswell
Fear The Spear............!
roberta
Posts: 2773
Date Joined: 08/07/08
Also dead fish on the beach,
our little yorkie loved to smell and eat rottening fish, bring her home and next minute up it'd come yellow muck, thank god she didn't love to roll in it, think she thought twice about that, as it would mean a bath and she hated baths, rest in peace my little yorkie, god I miss her. it sure is going to difficult when we go back to Leeman without her.
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