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.

Author:
BMTN Staff
Updated:
Mar 8, 2018
Original:
Aug 31, 2012

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.

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The Department of Natural Resources suspects the Newcastle disease is responsible in the deaths of hundreds of birds on Pigeon Lake in west-central Minnesota and on Minnesota Lake in southern Minnesota. The DNR says around 700 cormorants, 100 pelicans and some gulls, herons and egrets have been found sick and dead at Pigeon Lake, near Litchfield, alone.

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