It was shortly after the midsummer weekend that the dead crayfish were found by people in the Ulvsta fish conservation area. After the State Veterinary Medical Institute, SVA, in Uppsala analyzed the cancers, it turned out to be cancer plague that has struck.

"This is a disaster for the rivers here in the creek, they will all die out, a real disaster," says Ola Norberg, fisheries supervisor, while hoisting up some remains of dead crabs from the creek.

The area of ​​cancer plague was quickly explained by the County Administrative Board of Gävleborg because it wants to prevent and limit further spread in the area.

Violent track spreading process

- The plague may have come here with fishing equipment, boats, wet bathing suits or if any tokstolle sat in signal crayfish. There is not much we can do now, says Ola Norberg-

When river crayfish are infected, it leads to a violent spawning process with very high concentrations of plague spores in the water. The County Administrative Board will carry out efforts to carry out to check the extent of the outbreak of plague and how the hippopotamus has been affected.

Prohibition for 18 months

Until December 31, 2021, it is prohibited to catch crayfish, as well as to store, sell, buy and transport uncooked crayfish.

Fish from the area may not be used as baitfish in other waters.

No fishing gear, boats, machines or other objects used in the water may be brought to other water without first disinfecting.