The disease, which causes bleeding, skin ulcerations and fungal infections, has not been identified despite the best efforts of Inland Fisheries Ireland and scientists internationally.
“Hundreds of people I’ve spoken to across many rivers nationwide have seen these salmonids with white fungus on them. “We are heartened by Deputy Breathnach’s efforts and the IFI’s response that all the statutory bodies are taking this seriously and investigating. He added: “Anglers also from the Dundalk Salmon Angers Association, Balintra Anglers, Inniskeen Village Anglers and Kells Anglers have all witnessed these diseased fish.”
In a statement yesterday they say: “IFI collaborated with the fish health unit in the Marine Institute with samples from the River Erriff and River Lee supplied to them and further samples from the Boyne supplied to the Veterinary Group in Galway for testing.