UK Nature and Environment

River users in the Wye catchment are being urged to be cautious and follow the 'Check, Clean, Dry' protocol after reports suggest Crayfish Plague may be spreading in the area.

The protocol is essential to prevent the spread of Crayfish Plague, which was confirmed in the River Irfon near Builth Wells in July. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is now concerned the disease could be extending to other waterways, with recent reports of dead crayfish found in the Ennig tributary of the Wye raising alarms. However, the samples were too decomposed to confirm the presence of the plague.

Crayfish Plague poses a serious threat to the native White-clawed Crayfish, a key species in the River Wye which is itself a designated Special Area of Conservation. These crayfish are indicators of clean, healthy rivers and play a vital role in the ecosystem, making their protection critical to maintaining the Wye's ecological balance.