Virginia closes Little Wicomico River oysters and clams after a Pennsylvania Salmonella link

Virginia shut oyster and clam harvest on the Little Wicomico River after a disease investigation pointed at shellfish from that water. The Department of Health said the closure took effect Oct. 9, 2026, out of caution and in line with Food and Drug Administration recommendations. VDH was notified of a Salmonella outbreak in Pennsylvania that has been epidemiologically linked to shellfish harvested from the river. The department said it is testing shellfish from the implicated area.

The temporary emergency closure runs Oct. 9 through Nov. 7. It covers bivalve mollusks, including oysters and clams. Crabs and finfish are not part of the order. VDH also said the closure does not affect drinking water.

The legal order is Emergency Condemnation Number 010A. It makes it unlawful to take shellfish from the condemned downstream portion of the Little Wicomico River in Northumberland County for any purpose, except under a Marine Resources Commission permit. The boundary is the line in the condemnation notice between the mapped coordinates published with the order.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Virginia Department of Health — Closes Little Wicomico River to shellfish harvesting (Oct. 9, 2026). Order text: Emergency Condemnation #010A.