Efforts to tackle Crayfish Plague outbreak in Tipp

Efforts are being made to tackle an outbreak of Crayfish Plague on the River Suir in Tipperary.

It’s hit a stretch of the river between Clonmel and Carrick on Suir with large numbers of dead freshwater crayfish reported earlier this month.

All water users on the Suir downstream of Clonmel are being urged to take precautions to limit the spread of the outbreak of Crayfish Plague.

This is just the second recorded outbreak in Ireland with a previous incident in Cavan in 2015.

A total kill of the crayfish population is expected which will have major consequences for the ecology of the river Suir.

All agencies including the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Tipperary County Council will be working to contain the outbreak to this stretch of the River Suir.

This outbreak is of great concern as the stretch of river affected is popular with anglers and canoeists.

Anyone using the river is being urged to observe the ‘Check, Clean and Dry’ protocol once they leave the river and before using it again. This means that all wet gear such as boats, clothing and equipment should be checked for any silt or mud, plant material or animals before being cleaned and finally dried.

Disinfectant or hot water over 40 degrees Celsius should be used to clean all equipment and this should be followed by a 24 hour drying period.

The White-clawed Crayfish is a globally threatened species and Ireland holds one of the largest surviving populations.