A potentially deadly shellfish toxin is spreading north of Auckland, with the Ministry for Primary Industries extending its warning zone to include Campbells Bay.
The shellfish warning includes mussels (pictured) as well as oysters, tuatua, scallops, kina and all other bivalve shellfish. Photo: 123rf
The warning not to collect or eat shellfish has been extended south to cover Red Bluff at Campbells Bay.
It now included from Takatu Point on the north down to Red Bluff at Campbells Bay in the south and includes Mahurangi Harbour, Kawau Island and other nearby islands.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning can cause nausea, numbness and difficulty breathing and, in extreme cases, paralysis and death.
Commercial oyster farms in the Mahurangi Harbour have suspended harvesting and MPI are monitoring the situation.
Cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin, however, pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed before cooking.
A map showing the spread of the potential deadly Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning toxin. Photo: SUPPLIED / Ministry for Primary Industries