Waterfowl found dead at two Reno lakes

RENO -- Nevada Department of Wildlife officials say dozens of pelicans and ducks have turned up dead at two lakes around Reno.

Department spokesman Chris Healy told the Reno Gazette-Journal that 23 pelicans were found dead at Washoe Lake south of Reno this past week.

At the same time, he said 22 ducks have died at Virginia Lake in Reno.

Healy said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sending the pelicans to a lab for testing to determine the cause of death.

Results are expected in two to three weeks.

Experts say that among other causes, the pelicans could have died from West Nile virus or avian botulism.

Healy said officials are certain the ducks died of avian botulism, which is a common problem in urban lakes.