76.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesCATTLE EGRET POPULATION ON CAY POSES PROBLEMS

CATTLE EGRET POPULATION ON CAY POSES PROBLEMS

Yes, they are a pest, and yes they are a very real health hazard. Two years ago my husband and I were both very sick because we picked up a viral infection from them and we lost one horse to the same type of infection. It took a week in the hospital for doctors to figure it out and that was after our vet diagnosed the horses and started treatment on them. Had I not mentioned to the doctors the vet's diagnosis, they might still be looking. I figure it cost us about $5,000 out of pocket for us and the livestock.
We got some of the high-pitched blaster horns and set them to go off every 5 minutes for the first week, then 10, then 15. We also sprayed all of our trees weekly with liquid sulfur.
Last year we had a few but not the hundreds we have had in the past. We will continue this year and hopefully we will not have any. Even if this is a yearly thing from now on it will be worth it.
Marilynn Reeves
Iowa Park, Texas

Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.

Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice… click here.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.

UPCOMING EVENTS