Lucky Lure Cricket Farm closes?

[BoxTurtle52]

I read this in the newspaper today.

''A large commercial insect farm that provided millions of crickets to Florida theme parks, zoos, and reptile owners has been silenced by a quick-spreading virus. The Lucky Lure Cricket Farm in Lake County has been forced to file for bankruptcy after a virus contaminated the facility and wiped out the cricket colonies earlier this year. The densovirus is also believed to have destroyed similar farms in Europe, and has caused a nationwide shortage of crickets, a staple food for pet lizards and other reptiles. Beth Payne, the farm's owner, says she has invested thousands of dollars to sterilize the facility. She has tried restarting the operation four times without success.''

[laurarfl]

Yes, that is quite sad. I heard about their struggles earlier this year. They were my primary supplier for years.

Armstrong is a good alternative, out of Glennville, GA. That is my parents' hometown and they are good folks.

[the enigma]

Yes it is sad. I' haven't heard anything about them in a while and know I know why. Well I suppose the roach market will make its way to "mainstream" reptile food.

[tupinambis]

Unless you live someplace like where I currently do and roaches are banned. Then, you are simply SOL for live prey. Even up here in Canada we have been feeling the pinch from the cricket virus and it causing shortages.

[laurarfl]

Yep, roaches are banned here as well. I wouldn't think roaches would be prolific in Canada.

I have a pet store that I buy crickets from and they get orders from California. Apparently there is a big farm there but I don't know the name.