The Idaho State Department of Agriculture confirmed that dead zebra mussels were found at an aquarium product retailer.

Marimo moss balls in which the invasive mussels were found were shipped to the retailer in Boise, according to an ISDA news release. All product has been surrendered to the department voluntarily for proper disposal.

“We are asking anyone with aquariums to inspect,” public information officer Sydney Kennedy told Capital Press.

She would not identify the retailer that received the moss balls in which zebra mussels were found.

Zebra and quagga mussels can cause serious damage to drinking water, irrigation and hydroelectric power systems while harming aquatic environments.

The department will continue inspections at pet and aquarium stores to ensure product being sold is clean, according to a news release. ISDA is working to further identify retail distribution, collect affected products and ensure proper disposal.

“Store managers and staff throughout the state have been cooperative throughout this important process,” said Nic Zurfluh, ISDA Invasive Species Bureau chief. “Everyone has a part to play in protecting our state from invasive species. We now rely on the public to do their part in inspecting aquariums for invasive mussels.”

Moss balls and aquarium water should not be dumped in water bodies or storm drains, according to ISDA’s invasive species unit. Moss balls can be placed in the trash after they are bagged and frozen, boiled, or soaked in undiluted white vinegar. The aquarium and accessories should be decontaminated with hot water, salt water or a bleach solution.

The moss balls are used in aquariums for filtration.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on Aug. 5 received notification from a Renton-based wholesale aquarium company that a shipment of marimo moss balls had mussels. Lab testing that day confirmed the presence of zebra mussels.

In 2021, a finding of zebra mussels in a Seattle pet store prompted a response that ultimately involved 41 states and nine Canadian provinces.