ND officials say waterfowl deaths caused by avian cholera

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Game and Fish Department officials say the deaths of hundreds of geese at Nelson Lake in March were likely caused by a disease that spreads in areas where waterfowl congregate in last numbers.

Wildlife veterinarian Dan Grove says the 600 waterfowl, primarily mallards and Canada geese, died as the result of avian cholera.

Grove says the birds were tested for multiple diseases and came back negative for avian influenza.

A midwinter survey had counted about 23,000 mallards and nearly 31,000 geese on Nelson Lake, which serves as the outflow for the Minnkota Power Plant and has open water all year.

Grove says dead birds on the lake have been reported at some degree over the last several years.

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