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Posted: Monday, August 18th, 2008 4:59 AM HST

Rare Layson ducks found dead

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) _ More than 100 endangered Laysan ducks have been found dead this month at Midway Atoll in the Papahanaumokuakea National Wildlife Monument. The Laysan duck is the rarest native waterfowl in the United States, with fewer than 1,000 surviving. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that the first dead duck was discovered Aug. 10, and 106 adult and adolescent bird carcasses have been found as of Saturday. Officials suspect avian botulism as the cause of death, but that diagnosis has not been confirmed. The disease is not a threat to humans. (Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved)