SHELL fishermen on the River Teign have been dealt a serious blow by the discovery of a virus.

The herpes virus only affects Pacific oysters, not native oysters, but movements of shellfish out or into the river have now been restricted.

A containment area from the Passage House Hotel, Kingsteignton, to the sea has now been declared, though it has been stressed that there is no threat to human health.

No aquatic animals can now be moved in or out of the area without ministry permission.

The virus affects baby and juvenile oysters and kills them, which has ramifications for the local oyster industry.

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