Until recently, most Americans knew little about exotic diseases. Now, the Ebola epidemic in Africa is a center of attention.

Likewise, few Minnesotans think much about asian carp, zebra mussels and other invasive species. Yet they are threats to the very essence of our wild, wonderful state.

Zebra mussels can infest a lake, changing the environment for native fish, and clinging to and clogging docks, boats, culverts and pipes. Asian carp outeat native species, rip up vegetation and roil river lake bottoms.

Federal and state officials are working hard to check and possibly eradicate these invasive species.

Minnesotans, especially those who enjoy fishing and boating, can do a lot to help by becoming educated and following state regulations, especially those calling for boaters to drain, clean and inspect their boats before launching in another lake, to prevent the spread of species like zebra mussels and eurasian milfoil.