7790

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7790
• Author: Tyus, H. M., W. P. Dwyer and S. Whitmore.
• Title: Feasibility of Preventing Further Invasion of the Zebra Mussel into the Western United States.
• USFW Year: 1993.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

AIR PATHWAYS AND VECTORS
he third general pathway by which the
zebra mussel may be spread is by air,
including air traffic and shipments of
contaminated materials. This may
occur over long distance (i.e., across the
continent or around the world), or from
one small, contaminated lake to an
uncontaminated lake just a few miles
away (e.g., by float plane). Air
I shipments of tropical fish, aquatic
plants, or some other product, may
intentionally or unintentionally contain
zebra mussel eggs, larva, or adults.
Areas with significant amphibious
aircraft traffic should be evaluated to
I' determined if preventative measures
should be implemented.
with respect to long range expansion of
zebra mussels.
As discussed with the other
identified pathways, public education,
public support and inspection stations
have the greatest potential for prevent-
ing spread via this pathway.
Potential natural vectors for the air
pathway are ducks and other aquatic
birds. It has been speculated that larva
may attach to birds' feet or that birds
may pick up zebra mussel laden sticks
or other debris and carry them
upstream or between drainages. The
significance of this vector is unclear