Quagga mussels at NV's Lahontan, Rye Patch lakes

Emma Garrard/Sierra Sun

Emma Garrard/Sierra Sun

Share this: Email | Facebook | X

RENO (AP) - Those pesky quagga mussels that have caused so much trouble in Lake Mead appear to have found their way to two reservoirs in northern Nevada.

State wildlife officials say the invasive species was found during routine testing at Lahontan reservoir southeast of Fernley and Rye Patch reservoir between Lovelock and Winnemucca. Follow-up tests are planned to confirm the initial findings.

The quagga is a threat to native plants and animals and can cause millions of dollars in damage to water system infrastructure.

The first outbreak of quagga mussels in Nevada was at Lake Mead in 2007. They most often are spread by trailers, boats and equipment that travel between waterways.