CASPER, Wyo. — Idaho Fish and Game Department Staff Biologist Mike Demick provided updates on Friday regarding the deaths of over one hundred mallard ducks in an area south of Salmon.
“While laboratory test results are pending on the dead ducks found south of Salmon, preliminary necropsies sent to the National Wildlife Health Center indicate a potential acute Aspergillosis infection, a respiratory illness caused by a fungus commonly found in soil, dead vegetation, compost piles and moldy grains,” Demick wrote.
“Formal results are pending on several more tests, which may take up to two weeks to determine the exact cause of death.”
Over 100 mallard ducks have been found dead in a “relatively small area, along an irrigation ditch just south of Salmon and nearby sloughs and ponds” since Idaho Fish and Game received an initial report from a concerned resident on Dec. 7.
Demick said that the “the number of dead ducks found seems to have slowed” but that Fish and Game continues to monitor the area for any additional mortalities.
“IDFG continues to recommend that hunters wear latex gloves when cleaning birds and avoid consuming them until the final test results are completed and released,” Demick said. “IDFG thanks the concerned waterfowl hunters and members of the public for their patience and those who have provided reports.”
“For more information or to report, contact the Salmon Fish and Game office at 208-756-2271.”
This article originally appeared on Oil City News. Used with permission.
