Wilderness News Online

Disease is suspected in the recent deaths of more than 50 young double-crested cormorants residing on Lake Vermilion’s Potato Island.

The Timberjay has the full story HERE.

Newcastle’s Disease is suspected in the deaths, a bird virus that has killed cormorants elsewhere in Minnesota. The neurological disease affects juvenile birds. Confirmation that the deaths are indeed caused by Newcastle’s Disease won’t be confirmed for 2-3 weeks, according to the Minnesota DNR.

The growing cormorant population on Lake Vermilion has been a cause for concern among anglers and lake residents. The fish-eating bird is viewed as a competitor to humans for the lake’s game fish.