The Louisiana Department of Health will close molluscan shellfish growing area 11, located in Plaquemines Parish along the Gulf of Mexico, effective at sunset on Friday, July 29, 2016. This is a precautionary closure due to paralytic shellfish poisoning, a serious illness caused by eating shellfish contaminated with harmful toxins, in the area.
State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry signed the closure order. Area 11 will remain closed to the harvest of all molluscan shellfish until it is determined the environmental conditions are within the requirements specified by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
LDH has notified local oyster harvesters that work the affected area, as well as the Louisiana Oyster Task Force and the FDA.
The status of all molluscan shellfish areas as well as an area map can be found here.
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.ldh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account and Facebook.