Health bosses have issued an alert over death cap and yellow-staining mushrooms as the weather becomes wetter and colder.

Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr Christian McGrath warned Victorians to be on the lookout for wild mushrooms in gardens.

He said they should be carefully cleared out of the way of children and pets.

“Adults and children should avoid handling wild mushrooms with bare hands and should certainly not consume them. Additionally, pets and other animals should be kept at a safe distance,” advised Dr. McGrath.

“Anyone who collects and consumes wild mushrooms of unknown species is putting themselves at risk of potential poisoning and serious illness.

“Consuming a death cap mushroom can be fatal.”

They should removed while wearing gloves, placed in a bag and disposing of in a closed general waste bin.

“Unless you are an expert, do not pick and eat wild mushrooms.” Dr Christian McGrath said.

Initial symptoms of poisoning can include stomach pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.