People are being warned not to eat wild shellfish taken from parts of Bruny Island due to elevated levels of biotoxins.
The Department of Health says the alert covers Cloudy Bay Lagoon and Adventure Bay areas.
“Wild (or recreationally) harvested shellfish should not be eaten from this area because the biotoxins are harmful to humans,” the Department said.
“Seafood sold in shops and restaurants is safe to eat and is not affected by this alert.”
Wild shellfish include oysters, mussels, clams, pipis, cockles and wedge shells, abalone and scallop roe.
The intestines and livers of rock lobster can also be affected when toxic algal blooms are present.
“Seek medical help if you get sick after eating wild shellfish. Symptoms can occur within minutes to hours after eating shellfish. Cooking or freezing shellfish does not destroy the toxins that cause shellfish poisoning,” the Department website says.
“Shellfish poisoning symptoms include tingling or numbness, weakness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.”
“If you experience paralytic shellfish poisoning symptoms after eating wild shellfish, go to your nearest emergency department or call 000.”
