A Review of Zebra Mussel Biology, Distribution, Aquatic Ecosystem Impacts, and Control with Specific Emphasis on South Dakota, USA

Zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha are a native bivalve from eastern Europe. They were first detected in North America in Lake St. Clair in 1988 and were presumably introduced via infested ballast water. Zebra mussels have spread rapidly across the United States, with 31 states reporting infestations as of 2019. Zebra mussels were first detected in South Dakota, USA, in 2015 in Lewis and Clark Lake and McCook Lake, with subsequent infestations occurring in Lake Yankton in 2017, Lakes Francis Case and Sharpe in 2019, and Pickerel Lake, Kampeska Lake, and Lake Cochrane in 2020. This review paper presents information on zebra mussel biology and control, with specific information on the waters of South Dakota, USA.