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Mussels quarantine in effect
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The annual quarantine on mussels taken by recreational shellfish harvesters took effect Wednesday, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division announced.
The quarantine was issued because hazardous levels of a toxin that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning may be present in mussels along the Ventura County coast.
Elevated levels of PSP and domoic acid have been detected in mussels taken along the coast as part of the California Department of Public Health's year-round shellfish sampling and testing program.
The quarantine applies to all species of mussels taken by the public anywhere on the California coast, including all bays, harbors and estuaries. Commercially harvested shellfish are not included in the quarantine.
Consumers of sport-harvested clams or scallops are advised to eat only the white meat, removing and discarding the dark-colored organs, or viscera, before cooking.
PSP affects the central nervous system, producing a tingling around the mouth and fingertips.
In severe poisonings, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur.
There is no known antidote to the toxins, and cooking cannot be relied upon to destroy them.
Anyone who suspects they are experiencing symptoms should immediately seek medical attention.
The annual mussel quarantine will be in effect until Oct. 31.
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