SACRAMENTO - Consumers should not eat sport-harvested species of crab, bivalve (two-shelled) shellfish, sardines and anchovies from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties because they may be contaminated with domoic acid, a naturally occurring toxin that can cause human illness, State Health Director Diana M. Bontá, R.N., Dr.P.H., warned today. Elevated levels of domoic acid, which is produced by microscopic marine algae, have been detected in mussels, sardines and anchovies in the area by the California Department of Health Services (CDHS).
A similar warning was issued by CDHS on April 12 for Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County after elevated levels of domoic acid were detected there. Both warnings are in addition to the annual quarantine on the sports harvesting of mussels along the entire California coastline that took effect April 19 to prevent consumer exposure to paralytic shellfish poisoning.
CDHS and the California Department of Fish and Game have also advised the public that hundreds of dead and ill marine mammals, including dolphins and sea lions, and seabirds have been found on the beaches from San Diego to Santa Barbara. These animals may have become ill by eating small fish containing the toxin.
Domoic acid was first identified in 1987 off the coast of Eastern Canada, and first found in California in 1991 at several locations along the coast in samples of mussels, razor clams and other seafood. No cases of human poisoning from this toxin are known in California, but CDHS has included testing of domoic acid in its biotoxin-monitoring program.
Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. These symptoms commonly disappear within several days. In severe cases, the individual may experience excessive bronchial secretions, difficulty in breathing, confusion, disorientation, unstable blood pressure and irregular heartbeat, seizures, permanent loss of short-term memory, coma and even death.
State law prohibits the sale or offering for sale for human consumption of any bivalve shellfish except by a state-certified commercial shellfish harvester or dealer. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters are subject to frequent mandatory testing.
For updates on shellfish biotoxins and quarantines and other information, consumers can call CDHS' toll-free "Shellfish Information Line" at 1/800-553-4133.
-o0o- | 
