Shellfish alert extended as algal bloom spreads

The Tasmanian Health Department is warning a toxic algal bloom is spreading in southern waters, making wild shellfish dangerous to eat.

The department says the algal bloom has spread from Huonville, Cygnet, Dover and Port Esperance across to Southport, the D'Entrecasteux Channel and the coast of South Bruny Island.

The Medical Director of Public and Environmental Health, Kelly Shaw, says eating cooked and raw shellfish could cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.

Symptoms include tingling in the mouth and limbs, pins and needles, weakness and nausea.

The warning takes in wild oysters, mussels, clams and scallops as well as the guts of crabs and abalone.

Ten shellfish farms in the area have been shut down but commercial fish from other farms is safe to eat.

It is the second time the department has extended its alert for southern shellfish after discovering the algal bloom in April.

Source: ABC News, 2 June 2012