MDNR urges hunters and anglers to prevent transport of snails from Winnie (October 7, 2008)
In the fall of 2007, an estimated 7,000 lesser scaup and an unknown number of coots on Lake Winnibigoshish (Winnie) died from eating snails that were infected with parasitic trematodes (small worms). The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) surveys of Winnie this summer revealed the presence of the faucet snail, Bithynia tentaculata, the invasive species that carries the parasite that can infect and kill ducks.
The faucet snail is not native to the area and, fortunately, has not been discovered in neighboring lakes. The DNR is urging anglers and waterfowl hunters to be especially diligent in cleaning boats when leaving Lake Winnie, to prevent the spread of this snail and parasite.
When leaving Winnie or any other lake:
* remove all vegetation from your trailer, boat, and fishing or hunting equipment (anchors, decoys and lines)
* drain all bilge, live well, and bait water
* remove any snails that may be attached to your boat or trailer (snails can live out of water for several days).
This fall, DNR is monitoring Winnie, Bowstring and Round lakes for duck and coot die-offs as a result of a 2007 die-off incident. The agency asks hunters and anglers to call their area office if they find sick or dead ducks or coots.
A similar die-off has occurred in southern Minnesota along the Mississippi River for several years. There have been no reports of trematodes infecting humans. However, DNR is advising hunters not to eat birds that appear sick, and reminds them to wear gloves when cleaning or handling birds and to cook them until well done.
Picking up dead birds does not reduce the number of birds that die. So, if a die-off occurs on Winnie, DNR will be doing only a limited cleanup.
Those who find dead birds or would like further information should contact Perry Loegering,
DNR area wildlife supervisor, at 218-999-7939 or perry.loegering@dnr.state.mn.us.
