Newcastle outbreak closes islands in Minnesota, Pigeon lakes
The Department of Natural Resources is closing islands in two Minnesota lakes until the Newcastle virus is no longer a threat.
The Minnesota DNR said Friday they are closing islands in Minnesota Lake, near Mankato, and Pigeon Lake, near Dassel to hunters and other lake users until the risk of Newcastle disease in waterfowl has diminished.
The disease rarely affects humans but can cause conjunctivitis, a relatively mild inflammation of the inner eyelids, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
Earlier this month, the DNR reported the virus was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of birds on Minnesota and Pigeon Lakes.
