Plague outbreak threatens fish species in Mayo lake
The outbreak has been confirmed at Annie's River, Lough Carra
A plague caused by water mould is affecting an already under-threat species of fish in a Mayo lake.
The outbreak threatening the white-clawed crayfish is confirmed at Annies River, Lough Carra.
The Marine Institute have confirmed the presence of a plague caused by a water mould (fungal like organism).
White-clawed crayfish are a globally threatened species protected under the Wildlife Act and listed on the Annex II and Annex IV of the Habitats Directive. They are found in our rivers, streams and lakes around the country. Ireland hosts some of the largest surviving populations of the rare, white-clawed crayfish in Europe.
Outbreaks since 2015 have shown that this disease results in the complete elimination of white-clawed crayfish populations in affected waters. It is not a risk to humans, pets or livestock but it is difficult to manage and control in affected waters. All users can protect our waterways and wildlife by following the Clean, Dry and Check method.
There are concerns about the possible spread of the disease outbreak.
Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said: “Ireland hosts some of the largest surviving populations of the rare, white-clawed crayfish in Europe. This vulnerable species plays an important role in keeping our waterways clean and provides food for wildlife around our rivers and freshwater habitats. This disease outbreak is a real threat to Ireland’s only native crayfish species as it can spread extremely easily to other waters.” “The National Parks and Wildlife Service is leading efforts and working with stakeholders around Lough Carra to understand the impact of this disease and engage with people using the river. So I’m asking all water users to implement the Check Clean Dry principles to help stop it from spreading. Please check, clean and thoroughly dry all equipment and clothing that comes in contact with the water before entering water again.”
It is not known how the disease has spread to Lough Carra area but it was most likely through contaminated equipment. The disease can be carried on wet equipment. Furthermore the implications for the white-clawed crayfish population in the entire water catchment of Lough Carra, Lough Mask and Lough Corrib are very serious.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) and other organisations and stakeholders such as the Lough Carra Association, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the River Basin Management Service, Mayo County Council and the Marine Institute are working hard to contain this outbreak as effectively as possible.
