Birds at Pigeon Lake died from Newcastle disease

A virulent form of Newcastle disease is the culprit that has killed hundred of cormorants, pelicans and other water birds on three Minnesota lakes including Pigeon Lake south of Dassel.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, reported Sunday that several wild water birds from two Minnesota lakes have tested positive for Newcastle disease.

This strain of virus can be highly contagious among double-crested cormorants, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The birds that tested positive were from Minnesota Lake in Faribault County, Pigeon Lake in Meeker County, and Lake Kabetogama in Voyageurs National Park, according to Dr. Erika Butler, DNR wildlife veterinarian.

The DNR is working closely with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Department of Health. The agency is also collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Health Center, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Service and the National Park Service, and alerting surrounding states and provinces to the lab results.
There is little threat to humans from the disease.

“Newcastle rarely affects humans, generally causing conjunctivitis, a relatively mild inflammation of the inner eyelids. It is spread to humans by close contact with sick birds,” said Joni Scheftel, state public health veterinarian. “The department recommends that people avoid touching dead birds. DNR staff required to collect the birds will follow biohealth guidelines. Some of the dead bird collection areas may also be off-limits to visitors until carcass cleanup is complete.”

For the full story, see the Aug. 21 print edition of the Hutchinson Leader.