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SHELLFISH PROHIBITION IN POOLE HARBOUR

Following advice from the Department of Health, Poole Council has this afternoon temporarily prohibited the harvesting of shellfish from Poole Harbour.

This follows tests in which the presence of amnesic shellfish poisoning has been detected. It is thought that the shellfish has been contaminated by toxins in an unusually high level of naturally occurring algae in the sea water. The algae levels are high due to the mild winter.

Members of the public are being advised not to remove or eat any shellfish harvested from the Harbour since Monday 6 March until further notice as consumption can cause illness. Symptoms are stomach upset and vomiting approximately five hours after eating. There has been no reported incidence of shellfish related illness to date in Poole and it is hoped that this precautionary action will prevent problems occurring.

Borough of Poole Consumer Protection Officers are liaising with commercial fishermen and other agencies in Poole to trace any product which may be in the supply chain and signs are being placed at the access points to the Harbour.
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Dorset Health Authority advise that anyone who has eaten shellfish and is concerned about their health should contact their GP or in extreme cases, the Accident & Emergency department of the Hospital. For information about the prohibition members of the public can contact the Borough of Poole Consumer Protection Team on 01202 261712 during office hours Monday - Friday or 07970 913043 out of hours.

Borough of Poole Environmental Health Officers tested the shellfish on Monday and earlier today on the advice of the Department of Health following discovery of the problem in the Solent. The prohibition order will run for 28 days or until two consecutive tests show that the shellfish is safe again.

nick hill - tel. 07970 913043