Reporting of diseased & distressed salmonids in rivers
The EA have asked that we keep them informed of any reported losses of salmon and sea trout in our local rivers.
there have been a small number of reports of dead or distressed salmon and sea trout that appear to be related to the warm spring and low river flows. These conditions increase stress and susceptibility to disease, leading to symptoms that include fungal infection and bacterial lesions.
As you are all aware, losses of salmon and sea trout, or sightings of diseased fish, are likely to lead to considerable interest from anglers and local media. Whilst the EA have to be realistic about what management action they are able to take, they are happy to provide assistance in disease sampling, if you feel this is necessary to confirm the cause of the problem. This may be useful to enable you to be informed about the causes and, at least, ensure the EA are able to respond to queries with details of the action they taken and the exact nature of these problems.
The EA are also very keen to monitor the extent of these losses throughout England and Wales. Please keep them informed of any similar reports you hear about, or any disease problems that you think the EA could assist with.
