MASON CITY, Iowa -- A truck driver has been cited after a load of chicken manure spilled out of his semi for more than a mile in rural Cerro Gordo County.

The incident happened Thursday northeast of Mason City.

Deputy Frank Hodak said the tailgate of the truck apparently wasn't shut properly and the driver, Jay McDonough, of Nora Springs, apparently didn't realize there was a problem until he had to make a turn.

Hodak said the southbound lane of the two-lane road was covered in about 3 inches of manure. Skidloaders were brought in to get it cleaned up.

Hodak said the mess didn't cause any accidents, but he's sure several drivers, including himself, had to wash their cars.

Officials said McDonough was cited by the Iowa Department of Motor Vehicle Enforcement with spilling the load on the highway, several gross overweight charges and improper load securement.