site.btaBulgarian Scientists Detect New Invasive Alien Crayfish Species

Bulgarian Scientists Detect New Invasive Alien Crayfish Species

Sofia, October 23 (BTA) - Spiny-cheek crayfish, Black bullhead and Chinese/Amur sleeper are three invasive alien species that have been detected in Bulgaria's territory by scientists of the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Environment and Water said in a press release.

The research, analysis and all other activities for the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species in this country are implemented under a project financed by the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2009-2014.

The spiny-cheek crayfish is a completely new species for Bulgaria, project leader Teodora Trichkova of the Institute explained. The species originates from North America and reached this country from Central Europe and Serbia via the River Danube. It presumably settled in Bulgaria one or two years ago.

For the territory of Europe, this is a high-risk invasive species and is included on the list of invasive alien species of Union concern, adopted in July 2016 pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.

The alarming thing about this species is that it carries crayfish plague, a dangerous disease for indigenous European crayfish species. The American crayfish carry spores of the infection but have built an immunity to it and it does not endanger them. Bulgarian crayfish, however, have not been exposed to the infection and it is deadly to them.

The risk comes from the ability of the spiny-cheek crayfish to form large populations and spread swiftly upstream the rivers. The scientists of the Academy and of the Ministry are preparing measure to stop its spread inland.