Oregon closes more coastal shellfish harvesting due to ‘historic high levels’ of toxinsSALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon authorities have expanded shellfish harvesting closures along the state’s entire coastline to include razor clams and bay clams, as already high levels of toxins that have contributed to a shellfish poisoning outbreak continue to rise. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said the new closures were due to “historic high levels” of a marine biotoxin known as paralytic shellfish poisoning. The shellfish poisoning outbreak has sickened at least 31 people, Jonathan Modie, spokesperson for the Oregon Health Authority, said in an email. People who eat shellfish contaminated with high levels of saxitoxins usually start feeling ill within 30 to 60 minutes, the agency said. Officials say the Oregon Department of Agriculture will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice a month as tides and weather permit.

Source: Ethiopian News June 08, 2024 03:50 UTC