Crayfish plague confirmed in Lorrha River

Anglers and other water users are being asked to take heed of an outbreak of crayfish plague in Lorrha River.

Specimens collected in Lorrha village were tested by the Marine Institute, which last last week confirmed the presence of plague. As the plague can spread throughout the water bodies connected to infected rivers, all connecting streams, rivers and lakes should be treated as infected and emergency containment measures also applied to them.

The Lorrha River flows into the top of Lough Derg so the potential for the plague to spread into the Shannon system is very high. This is the fourth confirmed outbreak of crayfish plague in Ireland since 2015; it has also been detected in the River Suir downstream of Clonmel.

The plague affects the White-clawed Crayfish, a globally threatened species. Ireland holds one of the largest surviving populations.  
Crayfish plague spread to Europe with the introduction of the North American species of crayfish. If the plague becomes established here, there is a high probability that the White-clawed Crayfish, which is currently protected under Irish law and the EU Habitats Directive, will be eliminated from much of Ireland, leading to severe impact on habitats and other freshwater species.

Anglers, or anyone using the river, have been advised that all wet gear, equipment, or clothing should be cleaned of mud and left to dry for over 24 hours before being used in the water again. Anyone working on the water, whether in a contaminated area or not, is asked to check and disinfect equipment before commencing work or leaving the area.
Virkon Aquatic, a disinfectant powder, is recommended. Grant aid is available to agencies and groups that involve people accessing rivers.
Further information for the public can be found at www.biodiversityireland.ie/crayfish-plaque-2017/.