Crayfish plague – a water mold that infects crayfish – has been detected in Mysenelva in Indre Østfold Municipality. According to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, there is a high risk of the mold infection spreading.

The Veterinary Institute received six dead crayfish found near Spinnerifossen in Mysenelva, which is the part of the river Hæra, a tributary to Glomma, on Monday.

High levels of crayfish plague were detected in all the crayfish.

Trude Vrålstad, researcher and section leader at the Veterinary Institute, says the danger of the further spread of the infection in the area is great.

Spread of infection

“Fish that eat crayfish can contribute to the further spread as infection survives the passage through the fish’s digestive tract,” Vrålstad noted.

Mink, birds, and human activity can also contribute to the spread of the infection.

In order to limit the spread of infection, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority will establish an urgent regulation to tackle the issue.

Crayfish plague is deadly to all freshwater crayfish not of North American origin, including the noble crayfish.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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