Naturally-deposited herring eggs attached to submerged macrophytes. Coiled embryos are evident inside the eggs. Credit: USGS.
Island Health and the First Nations Health Authority have confirmed that the herring eggs and water samples collected from the French Creek and Qualicum Bay areas have tested positive for Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
In March, there was a small outbreak of cholera in the area with four cases of Vibrio cholere infection associated with eating herring eggs. The public was warned not to consume herring eggs that were harvested from French Creek to Qualicum Bay.
Since that time, there have been no further confirmed cases of Vibrio cholerae infection and no changes to the current fishery harvest area closures. Fisheries and Oceans Canada had closed Pacific Fishery Management Areas 14-1, 14-4, and 14-5 to fishing for herring eggs by handpicking at the end of March after the outbreak.
Fisheries Management Area 14 – Oyster River, Parksville. Credit: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
The closure was based on advice from Island Health. The health authority said on Friday it is unknown if the finding of Vibrio cholerae bacteria in the area will have any implications to future harvesting.
According to the Island Health, Vibrio cholerae infection is rare on the west coast, but the health authority also said viruses and bacteria are a known risk from eating raw seafood.
Island Health and the First Nations Health Authority are still investigating the small outbreak. They are reminding the public that any frozen herring eggs from French Creek and Qualicum Bay should be disposed of in a secure garbage. Eggs should not be fed to pets or other animals.
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