Fishing and consumption of shellfish in the city of Bouin (Vendée) is prohibited due to the presence of norovirus, the prefecture announced on Friday, after several similar bans relating to oysters during the end-of-year holidays.
The ban refers to “professional fishing, collection, transportation, storage and marketing of seafood,” details the prefecture. It will be valid “until the restoration of a satisfactory health situation.”
Presence of norovirus
In recent days, analyzes have revealed the presence of norovirus, responsible for gastroenteritis, in Arcachon but also in Calvados, Manche and Vendée. This situation has led to temporary bans on the marketing of oysters, traditionally very popular at Christmas and New Year.
According to Arcachon oyster farmers, the blame lies with the health system on the banks of the basin, overwhelmed by heavy autumn rains. The Association for the Defense of Water in the Arcachon Basin (Adeba) announced that it had filed a complaint on December 29 against the intercommunal union responsible for sanitation.
The prefect of Gironde must bring together interested communities next week to “accelerate” investments in wastewater management.
Source: BFM TV
