The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Marine Institute (MI) have issued an update on the current status of Crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) in Ireland. This disease has the potential to destroy the population of White-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) across the island. The species is protected in Ireland under the Wildlife Acts and is listed in Annex II and Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive.

Currently, infected crayfish have been identified in five locations; the River Bruskey in Counties Cavan and Longford, River Suir in Counties Waterford and Tipperary, River Barrow in Counties Kilkenny and Carlow, River Deel in Co. Limerick and the Lorrha River, Co. Tipperary.

Information about crayfish plague, including important steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of spreading the disease, is available at

http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/projects/invasive-species/crayfish-plague/

A recently (31/10/2017) updated map showing the known distribution of White-clawed Crayfish in Ireland and the location of infected catchments is available at

http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Crayfish-National-map-20171031.pdf

Crayfish Plague Records