An algae which wreaks havoc for anglers and kills fish has been found in Norfolk's waterways.

Eastern Daily Press: Professor Rob Field, Group Leader at the John Innes Centre in Norwich. Supplied by: One on One CommunicationsProfessor Rob Field, Group Leader at the John Innes Centre in Norwich. Supplied by: One on One Communications (Image: Archant)

But now researchers in Norwich have developed a test which could protect the Broads and save millions of pounds for the economy.

The algae, called Prymensium parvum, becomes toxic when it is infected with a virus - and is deadly to fish.

Eastern Daily Press: A new test created by IDna Genetics is being used to detect and help control a dangerous algae bloom that can cause havoc to the waterways of Norfolk. Supplied by: One on One CommunicationsA new test created by IDna Genetics is being used to detect and help control a dangerous algae bloom that can cause havoc to the waterways of Norfolk. Supplied by: One on One Communications (Image: Archant)

The test finds the infected algae in the water which means it can then be controlled.

IDna chief scientific officer, Dr Peter Isaac, said: "It's a promising development in seeking a solution to a global problem."

Eastern Daily Press: Dr Peter Isaac is the chief scientific officer at IDna and said the test is a new tool to support the Broads Authority. Supplied by: One on One Communication.Dr Peter Isaac is the chief scientific officer at IDna and said the test is a new tool to support the Broads Authority. Supplied by: One on One Communication. (Image: Archant)

He added: "We were able to develop an effective, fast and extremely cost-effective method to detect the dangerous combination of algae and virus."

The test was developed by IDna Genetics, the John Innes Centre and the University of East Anglia.