Non native crayfish and disease

In the UK one of the biggest threats to our native White-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) is the presence of introduced non-native species of crayfish. Currently non-native crayfish are not present in the wild in Northern Ireland and Ireland, protecting populations in these countries. In England, Scotland and Wales non-native species of crayfish expand increasingly into waters occupied by native crayfish and eliminate them through competition or through the spread of crayfish plague.

Another factor affecting the White-clawed crayfish is disease, particularly crayfish plague which lead to mass kills of White-clawed crayfish. This section gives more information about crayfish plague and other diseases.