Warning issued for all water users in Ireland

The Government is urging all water users to follow the clean, check, dry biosecurity protocol to protect native wildlife and habitats.

​This comes as recent reports from the Marine Institute confirmed the presence of a plague caused by water mould, affecting native white-clawed crayfish in River Camac, Clondalkin.

​The White-Clawed crayfish is a globally threatened species that is protected under the Wildlife Act. They can be found across streams, rivers and lakes across Ireland.

​While not a risk to humans, outbreaks like this since 2015 have shown that the disease results in complete elimination of the white-clawed crayfish in affected waters.

​The Government say that they do not know how the disease spread to the Camac River specifically, but it was likely through contaminated equipment. The relevant stakeholders, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Marine Institute and Inland Fisheries Ireland.

​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.

​Dry for as long as possible, and clean everything thoroughly, ideally using hot water; they urge users to pay close attention to areas that are damp or hard to access.

​Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher 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 the water again.”