Shellfish Health Warning Issued for Tauranga

13 MARCH 2007

Shellfish Health Warning Issued for Tauranga Harbour

The results of routine monitoring carried out this week by Environment Bay of Plenty indicate bacterial contamination of shellfish within Tauranga Harbour. Toi Te Ora- Public Health has therefore issued a health warning advising against gathering or eating shellfish from the Tauranga Harbour east of the Wairoa River. Eating shellfish from this area could result in infection such as gastro-enteritis.

The health warning applies to all bivalve shellfish such as mussels, toheroa, pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, scallops, as well as catseyes or pupu and kina (sea urchin). The gut of paua, crayfish and crabs taken from this area should be removed before cooking.

This faecal contamination may be of human or animal origin and comes from sources such as stormwater and rural runoff, leaky sewer pipes, septic tanks and inadequately treated sewage discharges, particularly after heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfalls can stir up river sediments releasing micro-organisms held in them and also wash harmful bugs (bacteria, protozoa and viruses) off the surrounding land into waterways and coastal areas.

“Eating contaminated shellfish can cause a number of infections such as gastro-enteritis caused by E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Giardia, Cryptosporidium and viral gastro-enteritis”, says Bay of Plenty and Lakes Public Health Medicine Registrar, Dr Neil de Wet.

Dr de Wet says that “It is advised that people do not gather or eat shellfish from areas of the harbour surrounded by built up areas. Undeveloped areas or areas open to the sea will have a lower risk of contamination, but, no matter where shellfish are collected, they should always be thoroughly cooked and the guts not eaten.”

Tauranga City Council will continue to monitor the situation.

All health enquiries should be directed to Toi Te Ora – Public Health and enquiries regarding the situation response directed to Tauranga City Council.

ENDS