Dog killing sea slugs have been found in Pilot Bay, Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service is warning.

Sea slugs tested in the harbour have been found to contian a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin - normally found overseas in species such as puffer fish, cone shells and the blue ringed octopus.

The neurotoxin TTX has been associated with the deaths of dogs in the Auckland region, but to date no human poisoning cases have been reported in New Zealand, says Medical Officer of Health Dr Jim Miler.

'In this case, the grey side-gilled sea slugs tested were collected off-shore as part of a research project; they did not wash up on our shorelines,” says Jim.

'To date, we have had no reports of the slugs washing up on harbour beaches, or reports of any animal ill health.

'Apparently, the time sea slugs are most likely to be found washed up on beach shorelines is during winter.

'We are advising people not to touch or eat slugs on the beach and always supervise young children around water.

'In the unlikely event that a person becomes unwell after coming into contact with a slug, they should seek immediate medical attention.”

Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service Advice

• Small children and pets need to be supervised – parents should watch where their children are swimming or playing, and what they are handling.
• Adults, children, and pets should not eat anything found washed up.
• Early symptoms of TTX poisoning include numbness and tingling around the mouth and nausea. This numbness and tingling can then spread to the face, tongue and other areas, with paralysis, coordination problems and slurred speech. Medical attention should be sought immediately should any person become unwell after contact with a sea slug.
• If you do find a sea slug, don't touch it and give the duty Health Protection Officer a call on 0800 221 555, then press 7.

Sea slugs are a wide-ranging organism in the marine environment of New Zealand. Sea slugs may be found washed up on beaches anytime, anywhere, probably related to their breeding cycle and prevailing weather patterns. The slugs are mottled grey or sand-coloured, usually 2 to 2.5cm in length. They can grow up to 10cm.