I'm usually delighted to see Ireland's Wildlife featured in the media — but a recent article published in the Gardening section of the RSVP Magazine website has me less than thrilled.The article in question sensationalises the connection between frog-hoppers/spittle bugs (their American name) and a bacterial plant disease called Xylella fastidiosa. Yes, in areas where … [Read more...] about Cuckoo spit/spittlebug foam on plants is harmless. Please leave it alone.
disease
Authorities ask for help to contain deadly crayfish plague
Authorities are urging water users on the River Suir to take precautions after confirmation of an outbreak of Crayfish Plague on the stretch of river downstream of Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir in Tipperary.DNA analysis following the discovery of a large number of dead crayfish in the river earlier this month has confirmed Crayfish Plague as the cause. The fungal disease … [Read more...] about Authorities ask for help to contain deadly crayfish plague
16,000 trees to be felled at Gougane Barra, Co. Cork
Coillte, the state-owned forestry organisation, has closed Gougane Barra Forest Park in County Cork, and plans to fell around 16,000 trees in the forest -- mainly Japanese Larch -- to prevent the spread of disease.The disease, known as "Sudden Oak Death" in the USA, is caused by a fungus-like plant pathogen called Phytophthora ramorum, which belongs to a group of organisms … [Read more...] about 16,000 trees to be felled at Gougane Barra, Co. Cork
Deadly amphibian fungus absent from Ireland
New research published by the Herpetological Society of Ireland has confirmed that the deadly chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) is absent on the island of Ireland.That's good news for Ireland's only 3 amphibian species, the common frog, the smooth newt and the natterjack toad. Along with climate change and habitat loss, the fungal disease is thought to be a … [Read more...] about Deadly amphibian fungus absent from Ireland
