PEOPLE are being warned to avoid contact with the Murray River for the second time in less than a year, as a toxic algal bloom takes hold in the river's upper reaches.
A ''red alert'' has been issued for more than 150 kilometres between Hume Dam and Cobram, while the stretch from Cobram to Echuca is under a high amber warning.
A red alert means people and animals should avoid any contact with river water; amber means people should not drink the water but can use the river for recreation.
Tourism in Victoria's Murray towns suffered last year when an 800-kilometre bloom struck around the Easter holidays.
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