Released 02/04/2020
The community is being urged to report sightings of mushrooms in public areas to Access Canberra, with the recent heavy rain conditions expected to lead to further death cap mushroom sightings across the ACT.
Death cap mushrooms, which can be lethal if ingested, are known to grow in the ACT. They often grow near established oak trees and can be found when there is wet weather.
The Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman is urging Canberrans and anyone visiting Canberra not to pick or eat any wild mushrooms, and to purchase all mushrooms from a reputable supplier.
Anyone who finds a mushroom in a public area is also advised to report it to Access Canberra immediately and to keep children and animals away from it as it is dangerous to even touch the mushroom with bare hands.
Access Canberra can be contacted on 13 22 81.
For more information about the Death Cap mushroom, including important health advice, visit: https://www.health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-systempopulation-health/fact-sheets
- Statement ends -
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