A killer plague in a town river could wipe out endangered crayfish.

06/08/2008 Gazette

Hundreds of the dead crayfish have been spotted in Castle Park, Colchester, in recent days.

It is believed they died from crayfish plague, a highly infectious fungal disease spread by contaminated crayfish, unlicenced traps and fishing boats and nets.

The Environment Agency says the disease may have found its way into the River Colne from fisherman also using the River Waveney which was hit by crayfish plague last October.

The Colne crayfish are Turkish crayfish, a non-native species, introduced to British waters from eastern Europe and western Asia.

Conservationists say their death is not a problem however they fear the disease could spread to the protected native white-clawed crayfish which only live in Essex in the Stour, Blackwater and Chelmer.

They say if that happens the species could be wiped out in the county forever.

Now the agency is warning all anglers and other river users to clean their equipment thoroughly before using it in other rivers or treat with disinfectant to stop the disease from spreading.

“While this is safe to do in parts of the country where native crayfish have already been wiped out, in the east of England we are trying to protect one of the last strongholds,” she added.

Anyone who spots a dead crayfish in a river other than the Colne should call the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.

---