Dear HLSIO supporter,
As 2025 draws to an end, we want to share with you the latest update of your Swimmer’s Itch (SI) program. To control SI on Higgins Lake, it is critical to remove Mergansers from the lake. Unfortunately, there was a cancellation of relocation permits for all ducks across the country earlier this year by the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) due to concerns about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI, aka Avian Flu). Therefore, no ducks were removed and a few broods took up residence on the Lake. The increase in SI was relatively minimal based on our scientific efforts. However, self-reported SI cases on our website (HLSIO.org) increased markedly this year.
2025 in Review
- The year started off with considerable optimism. Higgins Lake Swimmer’s Itch Organization (HLSIO) had our permits in order, both from the Michigan DNR and the USFWS, with Roscommon County Commissioners concurrence, to allow us to capture and relocate mergansers. Both permits were necessary for us to proceed. All systems go? Nope, our optimism soon faded dramatically, as the USFWS on April 14, 2025 canceled all relocation permits for Michigan (and other states) due to HPAI. We are actively communicating with the DNR to figure out our options for 2026. We met with the Deputy Director in September and found a receptive audience to our concerns, but also limited by whatever USFWS decides. We have outlined different levels of controls, pending potential scenarios.
- HLSIO researcher completed an 2025 annual report (hotlink) with details on the following areas:
- Bird Surveys conducted in June and August — showed some mergansers on Higgins Lake this Spring, resulting in four broods on the lake this summer. Many people on Higgins Lake also saw these broods and reported to our website.
- Snail Infection Survey — this has been done in late June/early July from 2015-2025. It shows snail infection rates remain low. We also conducted studies in August/September 2025 to see if we could see a rise in cases. While a statistical increase can be argued to be occurring, overall infection rates remain low. Infection rates are expected to increase in 2026 due to broods being present on the lake in 2025.
- Water exposure study — This research has been conducted for four years now. This study tracks individuals’ experience of using the water and whether they did or did not get SI. This study more scientifically demonstrate a change in SI infection rates. In 2025, we had considerably more reports representing more people in the water. SI cases remained low but did have an uptick later in the summer. Overall, 1.3% of reported individual water activity, resulted in SI cases among the 277 reports. These reports represented an aggregate of 1143 people, across 21 locations on the Lake.
- HLSIO Website Merganser and SI reporting — our website had considerable activity this year, with reports of Merganser broods as well as cases of SI. In fact, reported SI cases increased dramatically relatively to prior years. There was over a 300% increase in reported cases in 2025 versus 2024 (30 cases in 2024, 99 in 2025). The good news is people are using the website for reporting! Clearly, more SI was on the lake even though our long term data trends demonstrated only minor changes. Many of these cases were from the latter half of the summer. It is unclear why there is a discrepancy between the long term trend data and self reporting data, whether it is due to more HLSIO.org awareness, or other factors such as precautions taken when using the lake. That said, we did expect some increase in SI cases due to the broods on the lake.
- Praziquantel Ecotoxicology Assessment Report — If administered to Mergansers, Praziquantel will kill the parasites causing SI. This report demonstrates Praziquantel is effective, has low toxicity and does not damage the environment or other species. It will be shared with the DNR, as we consider alternative SI controls and is considered only is we can not move broods off the lake. Unfortunately, it only kills active parasites in the treated Merganser. Reinfection can occur very soon after treatment, multiple treatments would be ideal, but trapping ducks is difficult as birds become skittish.
Going Forward in 2026
- Merganser Relocation — This is key to reducing SI. We are meeting with the MI Deputy Director of Michigan DNR and one of her team members in January, as well as communicating with USFWS in order to get clarity on plans for 2026. We have the ability to field test for presence of HPAI, as well as inject ducks with an anti-parasitic drug, Praziquantel, which has been used safely for decades in farm and domestic animals. This would kill the parasites but not prevent reinfection. However, it would reduce the overall cercariae temporarily and should help reduce SI until our relocation program can be reinstated. Our overall emphasis is: relocating a few migratory birds confirmed not to have HPAI to a location that already has mergansers will not contribute to the avian flu problem.
- Research — all research conducted in 2025 is anticipated to continue for 2026: bird survey, snail infection survey, water exposure study, HLSIO website reporting and hopefully relocation of Mergansers. Other research is under consideration that may help us understand SI on the lake.
- ·Currently, we are waiting for DNR/USFWS feedback for 2026. If no relocation/ praziquantel is authorized for 2026, we expect higher SI cases in 2027. This would be a problem for our area and may impact the desirability of the lake for tourism. We are taking actions to keep communications open and remain hopeful.
Your Support is GREATLY appreciated!
- The Higgins Lake community has many people to thank for their continued support of the HLSIO and our efforts over the last 10+years. Special thanks can be noted for Jim and Steve Witt for hosting our vital fundraising dinner each summer and to Fred’s of Roscommon for contributing their excellent food and beverage service for the dinner that has provided a delightful evening for all who attend. Thanks to everyone who has donated to HLSIO over the years (if so inclined, visit HLSIO.org, PayPal is available to make it real easy). Quality science is not cheap, nor is it a one time expense. The success of our program is based on the generosity of our supporters and their unwavering contributions to our fight.
We hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season.
Your HLSIO Board
Melanie Brown, Bill Carey, Phil Czech, Duncan Lawrence, Dale McDonald, John Ogren, Mike Purkey, Greg Semack