The Marine Institute has confirmed the presence of Crayfish Plague in the River Camac at Corkagh Park, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin.
Crayfish Plague is a fatal disease caused by a water mould (fungal-like organism), affecting the native White-Clawed Crayfish.
White-Clawed Crayfish are a globally threatened species protected under the Wildlife Act and listed on Annex II and Annex V of the Habitats Directive. They are Ireland's only native species of crayfish, and are found in rivers, streams, and lakes around the country.
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.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has urged all water users, including anglers, boaters, canoeists, and other river users to follow the Clean, Check, Dry biosecurity protocol to protect native wildlife and habitats.
Minister O’Sullivan 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 of great concern as it is within a previously unaffected catchment and 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 in the catchment area 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 spread to the Camac River, but was likely through contaminated equipment. Its spores can survive in damp conditions for up to 21 days, and can be carried on wet/damp gear, clothing and other equipment.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC), and other organisations and stakeholders such as the Marine Institute, South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council, Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO), Inland Fisheries Ireland, Waterways Ireland, OPW and Friends of the Camac are working together to try to manage and contain this outbreak as effectively as possible.
Water users are reminded to:
- Check equipment and clothing for any signs of mud, plant or animal material that has been in contact with the water or river banks. Remove anything you find and dispose of safely.
- Clean everything thoroughly, ideally using hot water. Pay close attention to areas that are damp or hard to access.
- Dry for as long as possible. If you cannot dry your equipment, consider using an appropriate disinfectant.
For further information see: https://invasives.ie/checkcleandry/
Members of the public who see dead crayfish in the area are asked to inform the NPWS by sending reports to info@npws.gov.ie or by logging records directly to the National Biodiversity Data Centre at www.invasives.ie.
The most recent map showing the spread of Crayfish Plague in Ireland since it was first detected in 2015 can be seen below. Catchments where Crayfish Plague has been detected, either by sampling infected crayfish, or through environmental (e)DNA analysis from water samples, are shown in orange.
