Forest and Stream, January 31, 1903

OYSTERS PURE AND IMPURE.

Sea -- Shellfish - Oystering : SanitationNatural resources -- Pollution

THE death of the Dean of Winchester from typhoid fever ascribed to the eating of polluted oysters and the death of a number of other persons believed to have been due to the same cause has directed attention in England to the oyster as a possible disseminator of typhoid. The particular oysters which are believed to have caused the illness were taken from beds which have been described in the reports of former investigating committees as "saturated with sewage," a condition which one would think might account plausibly enough for the typhoid, even if salt water is a speedy purifier and destroyer of disease germs. It is no marvel that Great Britain has had an oyster scare, and under the circumstances it was wise on the part of the New York Forest, Fish and Game Commission to assert through the State Department the purity of the Long Island beds from which American oysters are exported to Europe. "East Rivers" and "Blue Points" -- famous the world over wherever oysters are known -- Shell Fisheries Superintendent Wood certifies, come from deep water beds far removed from any possible contamination. As for the sewage-saturated beds of England, it is high time for boards of health and sea fishery boards to combine their forces, following the example set by Massachusetts, where this admirable system is in operation, as provided by the public statute:

Section 113. The State Board of Health may examine all complaints which may be brought to its notice relative to the contamination of tidal waters and flats in this commonwealth by sewage or other causes, may determine, as nearly as may be, the bounds of such contamination, and, if necessary, mark such bounds. It may also, in writing, request the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game to prohibit the taking from such contaminated waters and flats of any oysters, clams, quahaugs and scallops. Upon receipt of such request, said Commissioners shall prohibit the taking of such shell fish from such contaminated waters or flats for such period of time as the State Board of Health may prescribe.

Sec. 114. Whoever takes any oysters, clams, quahaugs or scallops from tidal waters or flats from which the taking has been prohibited as provided in the preceding section shall forfeit, etc.