A toxin dangerous to people and animals has prompted a health warning from the Otago Regional Council.

High levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, have been found in the water at Butchers Dam, near Alexandra.

The warning urges people to stay out of the water and to keep their dogs on a leash to prevent them from going into the water.

“This bacteria/algae is toxic (and deadly) to both humans and animals,”, the warning stated.

People who think their dog has ingested the water are urged to get veterinary care immediately.

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Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring and live in a range of waterways, from near-pristine to those more impacted by land-use.

In bodies of slow-flowing waters, the algae grow in a free-floating form, which can cause the water to become murky or cloudy.

The ORC has two other toxic algae alerts in place for the wider region, one at the Waianakarua River, Oamaru, and Silver Stream, Mosgiel.

To find more about the latest toxic algae sightings visit orc.govt.nz

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