An article printed in the Manawatu Evening Standard on Wednesday 14 January warns that toxic algae has been found in the Upper Manawatu River (around Dannevirke) and is suspected as close into Palmerston North as the Victoria Esplanade. 

Dog walkers are being urged to keep their dogs away from the water’s edge if they’re walking near rivers, and owners should keep their pets on the leash as this algae can be fatal to dogs if they scavenge the edge of the river and eat the algae. 

 The algae can be distinguished by it’s slimy black appearance.