WITH potentially toxic algae levels in the Murray River, the Peel-Harvey and Leschenault Estuary the Department of Health is reminding people not to eat wild shellfish.
Environmental Health Director Jim Dodds said the algae could produce toxins that could be absorbed by filter-feeding shellfish and would not b e destroyed by normal cooking processes.
He said people should not eat shellfish from anywhere in WA, including oysters, mussels, clams, pipis, scallops, cockles and razor clams.
“Anyone who has eaten shellfish collected from these waters and experiences symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, should seek medical attention,” he said.
Mr Dodds said shellfish bought in supermarkets was not affected as it was managed by a strict quality-assurance program to ensure it was safe for human consumption.
He said all recreational activities, such as swimming, fishing and boating could continue as they were not affected by the algae.