A cane toad has been discovered in the southern Riverina, sparking an alert as biosecurity authorities investigate how it ended up in the region.
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The deceased female toad at Jindera was reported to and confirmed by the NSW Department of Industries invasive species biosecurity unit late on Monday.
It is still unknown how the toad made it to the region, and whether its arrival could spawn more of the pests.
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"The nature of the toad's death meant that a post-mortem was unable to be performed to confirm whether it was either carrying or had just laid eggs," NSW DPI said in a statement.
The community is urged to be on the lookout for more suspected cane toads, and advised not to kill an amphibian unless it has been positively identified to be a cane toad as it could be a native frog.
Murray Local Land Services (LLS) biosecurity and emergency services manager Geoff Corboy said it's likely the cane toad hitched a ride on a southbound truck.
"The most likely explanation is that it was a stowaway on a truck delivering materials from north-east NSW or Queensland," he said.
"If you're coming from cane toad infested areas such as Queensland or the Northern Territory, please check your luggage, vehicle or trailer to ensure you are not unwittingly carrying an unwanted passenger."
Suspected cane toads should be reported immediately to the DPI Biosecurity by calling the helpline on 1800 680 244, completing the online form or emailing a photo of the amphibian's face and details to invasive.species@dpi.nsw.gov.au
If you think you have seen a cane toad, the DPI advises if you catch it to report it, be careful. Wear protective clothing before touching it, watch out for poisin and keep it in a well-ventilated container with a little water in a cool location while the organisation determines the species.
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