Toxic algal bloom in Perth river

Recreational water users have been ordered out of Perth's Canning River by health officials after the discovery of a toxic algal bloom that can cause liver and nerve tissue damage if ingested.

The bloom can also be absorbed by shellfish, which if eaten by humans can lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning and respiratory arrest.

Recreational activities involving contact with the water, such as swimming, wading, fishing, shellfish collection and canoeing in these waters should be avoided, an environmental health spokesman said on Friday.