Victorians are being urged to exercise caution as poisonous mushrooms emerge during the cooler autumn weather.
Victorian Chief Health Officer Christian McGrath warns that death cap mushrooms and yellow-staining mushrooms are becoming more prevalent, with initial poisoning symptoms including stomach pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
“Adults and children should not touch wild mushrooms with their bare hands, let alone eat them, and animals should be kept well away from them,” Dr McGrath said.
Residents are advised to remove wild mushrooms from home gardens using gloves and dispose of them in sealed general waste bins.
Only mushrooms purchased from reputable sources such as supermarkets or greengrocers should be consumed, as there is no home testing method to distinguish edible from poisonous varieties.
Anyone suspecting mushroom poisoning should immediately contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre on 131 126, available 24/7.
For emergencies involving breathing difficulties, collapse, seizures or anaphylactic reactions, call 000.
Pet owners should contact the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 if their animals consume wild mushrooms.