Crayfish Plague

The White-Clawed Crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, is Ireland’s only native freshwater crayfish species. It is found across the country, primarily in the midlands. It is considered as an Endangered species on the IUCN Red list. Its main threat is the Crayfish Plague, Aphanomyces astaci.

An outbreak of the Crayfish Plague has recently been recorded in the River Camac in Dublin. The Crayfish Plague is a fungal disease that originates from North America where crayfish are carriers of the plague and are resistant to it. In Ireland, the native White-Clawed crayfish has no such resistance and the plague spreads quickly and can eradicate local populations. Generally, the Crayfish plague is brought in through fishing gear and boats that were contaminated before coming to Ireland and used here.

To prevent the spread of Crayfish Plague and to protect our native White-Clawed Crayfish we must follow the Check, Clean, Dry protocol when leaving the water.

1️⃣ CHECK equipment, boats, footwear and clothing for animals and plants. Remove everything found and leave at site. Drain all water from boat and trailer before leaving.

2️⃣ CLEAN everything properly. Pay special attention to nets and waders. Use hot water when possible or a high-pressure spray.

3️⃣ DRY everything for at least 48 hours. Where complete drying isn’t possible, disinfectant can be used.

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For more information about the Check, Clean, Dry protocol, visit https://lnkd.in/dmXTjeyX.