Urgent Environmental News
Update on the outbreak of crayfish plague in September 2007 in the River Waveney
January 2009
The outbreak affected the population of Turkish crayfish in the lower river - principally in the Bungay and Beccles area. In order to stop spreading the disease to any of our remaining populations of native crayfish, we requested that river users implement bio-security measures. The Environment Agency advised that we couldn't assume the threat of transmission had disappeared after any specific time period so precautions have remained in place.
To review the situation the Environment Agency carried out a thorough survey of the lower river in late summer 2008. No crayfish were found. Just as we thought it was safe to lift the restrictions, a report was received of a dead crayfish at Earsham Gravel pit. Further surveying of this waterbody again turned up no crayfish.
In the abscence of live crayfish, we estimate all the plague spores have died out by now. It is therefore safe to ease bio-security measures.
Ideally good hygiene and drying of equipment should always be practised when transporting vessels and equipment from one river system to another, to avoid risk of spread of diseases and alien species.
Thanks for all your help in keeping this worrying disease away from our precious stocks of native crayfish. In the future we hope to establish some 'ark' sites in safe still waters that may also help long-term survival of the species.
If you receive any reports of crayfish in this area, please contact the Broads Authority or the Environment Agency.
Prymnesium parvum levels at Hickling
During a survey undertaken by the Environment Agency at Hickling and Heigham Sound, very high levels of Prymnesium parvum were discovered in the water. This is one of a group of alga that thrives in brackish waters and can produce a toxin that kills fish, sometimes in large numbers. Since June numbers of Prymnesium cells have dropped and have remained low ever since.
Please look out for dead fish or large congregations of fish in distress and report them to the Environment Agency's emergency telephone number 0800 807060.
Advice on bird flu
6 October 2008
The Broads Authority advises that the information below is current:
- The H5N1 strain of bird flu (avian influenza) is essentially a disease of birds and poultry.
- So far the H5N1 strain of bird flu has only been found in wildfowl (ducks, geese, swans) and poultry (chickens, turkeys).
- You only need to report incidents where you find 10 or more dead wild or garden birds in the same place and at the same time. Do not touch them. Make a note of the location and type of bird and ring the Defra Helpline 07970 978440, and choose the Avian Influenza option. The State Veterinary Service will carry out an assessment and decide what action to take. Opening hours for the helpline are Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm.
- If you find dead birds (less than 10) you are advised to leave them alone or follow the guidelines for disposal outlined on the Defra website.
- If you feed birds take appropriate hygiene precautions. Wash your hands thoroughly after filling or cleaning bird feeders or feeding pigeons or ducks. You are advised not to let birds feed out of your hands, and again, to wash your hands thoroughly if you come into contact with bird droppings, especially before eating or drinking. Children should be closely supervised with waterfowl to ensure they don't transfer infected material to their faces. You should avoid direct contact with wild ducks/swans and particularly if they are ill or dead.
- Remember the risk to human health only arises in people with very close contact with infected birds.
- For further information check Norfolk County Council website www.norfolk.gov.uk or the Defra website.
