"Closed" signs are being prepared for certain islands and lake access points within a handful of Minnesota lakes, state conservation officials said today, because birds from these lakes were confirmed to have virulent Newcastle disease.
The virus, which already has killed more than 1,200 double-crested cormorants this summer in Minnesota, has been confirmed at Minnesota Lake, Pigeon Lake, Lake of the Woods, Marsh Lake and Lake Kabetogama. State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials are waiting for results from Lake Mille Lacs.
Counties affected or potentially affected by the closed areas include Meeker, Faribault, Mille Lacs, Cass, Lake of the Woods and Lac Qui Parle.
Closed signs in these areas should be in place by the end of the week.
The disease can be transmitted via contaminated clothing and equipment, and infected birds can spread the virus through direct contact as well as through their feces and excretions, the DNR said. Newcastle disease is not a major concern for humans, although it may cause a mild conjunctivitis and flu-like symptoms.
Clinical signs of Newcastle disease in avian species are frequently neurological, such as droopy heads and paralyzed wings and legs. Nestlings and juvenile birds are most susceptible. Mortality rates in wild species can vary greatly, with double-crested cormorants most commonly affected.
PAUL WALSH
