Four reindeer have died at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley from a deer virus that has also sickened four other reindeer in the herd.
State officials confirmed last week that the reindeer had contracted epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), a virus that emerged in Minnesota two years ago. The disease, which poses no health risks to people, is transmitted by midges and can kill deer within one to three days.
A zoo veterinarian in August noticed that a reindeer looked sick. After it died, a necropsy by a University of Minnesota laboratory detected EHD.
Zoo officials said they have isolated the reindeer from other hoofed animals, since the disease has no vaccine. In a statement, zoo director John Frawley said staffers were taking steps to deter the midges.
KEVIN DUCHSCHERE
SHOREVIEW
City OKs purchase of land for fire station
The Shoreview City Council has approved the purchase of land for a new station for the Lake Johanna Fire Department, in partnership with Arden Hills and North Oaks.
The Lake Johanna department, which serves the three Ramsey County cities, is planning a more centrally located station and administrative offices on Pine Tree Drive in Arden Hills, next to Bethel University. It will replace a station at Victoria Street and County Road E next to a busy railroad crossing in Shoreview.
The cost of the property, $1.675 million, will be apportioned among the three cities based on population, households, service calls and property values. Shoreview will contribute $840,000, Arden Hills $341,000 and North Oaks $194,000. The fire department will contribute $300,000 from its general fund.
