Until now it was just a guess, but now the suspicion has been confirmed: the so-called crayfish plague has been detected in the Bavarian Alatsee, right on the border with Tyrol. Countless noble crabs would have already died as a result. To curb the spread, the lake was declared a restricted area at the end of September.
A laboratory in Lower Saxony has now confirmed the previous studies through a DNA test, the head of Kempten’s responsible water management office, Karl Schindele, explained. At the end of September, the city of Füssen had already closed the lake, which is just a stone’s throw from the Tyrolean Ausserfern, to the general public due to suspicions.
Measures to prevent the spread
The reason for this drastic measure: The spores of the crayfish plague can “survive in a humid environment for up to 14 days and are still contagious. “Thus, the crayfish plague could be spread relatively easily by human activity to adjacent waters with a noble crayfish population, which would then also be wiped out.”
The Alatsee was therefore declared a restricted area. Activities such as swimming, fishing, boating and the use of stand-up paddleboards have been banned for more than two weeks. Even dogs are not allowed into the water.
Initially, these measures would apply until October 12. Because the crayfish plague has now been officially confirmed, the water board has now recommended that the city extend the measures, according to Schindele.
Dead animals are collected
The dead crabs are regularly collected from the bank and professionally removed. According to experts, the cancer scourge is fueled by North American cancers that are also spreading in Europe. The EU has now also recognized this problem, the city reports.
The Alatsee at an altitude of 868 meters is one of the most famous mountain lakes in the Allgäu and is a popular excursion destination for many Tyroleans due to its location.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
