Test results have confirmed that a potential fish plague has been found in a Powys river, with residents advised to follow safety guidelines.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) are asking people to play their part in preventing the spread of a Crayfish Plague that has been found in the River Irfon near Builth Wells.

The plague poses a “deadly” threat to the native White-clawed Crayfish population so river users are being urged to stay out of the River Irfon to prevent the disease spreading further.

NRW first warned residents to stay away from the river after officers found several dead crayfish along a three mile stretch of the water on June 28.  Officers found “no visible signs of pollution” and other river creatures seemed fine, leading them to suspect a crayfish plague.

Samples were sent for testing and have now confirmed that the disease is present in the waterway.

 

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Jenny Phillips, NRW’s South Powys Environment Team Leader said: "The native White-clawed Crayfish is one of the reasons the River Wye has been designated a Special Area of Conservation, so it’s crucial that we limit the spread of the plague to protect other local populations.

"Everyone needs to play their part in preventing the spread of the plague by not entering the River Irfon and rigorously following the 'Check, Clean, Dry' protocol if they enter other nearby waterbodies in the area."

The ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ protocol, which people are advised to use if entering other waterways in the area, involves checking equipment and clothing for mud and debris, cleaning everything thoroughly, and drying items completely before entering other water bodies.

The Crayfish Plague is fatal to native crayfish but harmless to humans, pets, livestock and other wildlife.

It spreads easily through minimal contact, meaning even a dog moving between rivers can transfer the disease, endangering local crayfish populations.

As nothing can be done to treat the native crayfish in the Irfon, NRW say the conservation priority is to reduce the risk of spreading the disease, and to allow the river to be repopulated over time after the disease is no longer in the river.

A NRW spokesperson added: “The White-clawed Crayfish is an indicator of healthy, clean rivers and plays a significant role in the ecosystem. Protecting this species is essential for maintaining the ecological balance and health of the Wye catchment.”