Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 15 Mar 1990

Vol. 397 No. 2

Written Answers. - Fungus Infection.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

39 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, which have been taken to control the spread of a deadly fungus which is reported to have wiped out more than one million crayfish in lakes in the midlands; if any steps have been taken to establish the source of the infection; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

An outbreak of this disease occurred in 1984 which caused substantial mortality of the native freshwater crayfish.

In attempting to trace the source various studies were carried out and inquiries were made to the authorities in countries, including the UK, from which the disease may have been introduced. All inquiries proved negative and the exact source has not been identified. It is likely that the fungus was accidentally introduced on fishing gear such as angler's boots or keep nets, from mainland Europe or conceivably the UK.

There is no evidence of the disease persisting in the lakes where it was reported — White lake, Lene and Owel — and there have been no reports of crayfish "plague" from other rivers or lake systems. Because of the risk of infecting our native stocks of crayfish the importation of crayfish of any species, in particular the American signal crayfish, which carries the fungus in question, is forbidden.