Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Conservation and Recreation Division

For Immediate Release                                                                            January 8, 2008

DEAD GEESE BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE DNR AT SAYLORVILLE

DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating the deaths of several Canada geese in the Des Moines River below the Saylorville Dam.

Approximately 80 dead geese have been collected so far and approximately 20 others have been spotted that show signs of illness. Some of the dead birds that have been collected have been sent to the National Wildlife Health Laboratory in Madison, WI to determine the cause of death. The lab results are not expected to be back until the end of the week.

Reports of dying and ill geese were first reported around Jan. 1. The DNR and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been collecting the affected geese on a daily basis during the last week-and-a-half.

Dead or dying geese in the Saylorville area should be reported to the Corps’ Saylorville headquarters at 515-276-4656.

For additional information on the investigation of the geese, contact Kevin Baskins at 515-281-8395.

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