Water users warning after crayfish plaque outbreak

Spread of deadly disease could wipe out the species in Ireland

- SHAUNA CORR

WATER users are being warned to take precautions after a crayfish plague outbreak in a river which could wipe out an entire species.

The disease was detected in the Munster catchment of the River Blackwater, which flows through Cork, Waterford and the Kerry uplands.

Officials say it is of great concern as it is within the Blackwater River Cork/ Waterford Special Area of Conservation which contains an internationally important population of white-clawed crayfish".

The species is under threat globally and if the plague keeps spreading, experts say there is a "high probability" the white-clawed Crayfish will disappear from most rivers in Ireland.

NPWS and IFI are urging all users of any river to check and clean their equipment, including fishing nets, kayaks, waders, boots and so on, with hot water over 45C and dry it before entering another water body anywhere as if this spreads it will kill all white-clawed crayfish it infects.

A NPWS spokesperson said: "This worrying situation is being monitored by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Marine Institute and independent ecologists.