THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 14, 1995 TAG: 9511140005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
Keeping the ducks and geese at Mount Trashmore lake is dangerous indeed. These birds spread deadly Lyme disease ticks which are dropped there by overpopulated, starving whitetail deer.
Lyme may contribute to a number of medical conditions including arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and Lou Gehrig's disease. Early signs include flulike symptoms out of season, an expanding skin rash and joint pain. During warm months, Mount Trashmore is home to the tiny active ticks that carry Lyme.
You can avoid tick bites by wearing protective clothing; inspecting yourself, children and pets for ticks; and clearing Mount Trashmore of ducks and deer that carry the deadly ticks.
If you wish to keep Mount Trashmore accessible to animals and birds which call the park home, adopt Guinea fowl that originated in Africa. These beautiful birds were used by early settlers to protect gardens from insects.
County agricultural-extension services can advise on keeping the ticks off your area. Or write to me at 611 Tam O'Shanter Blvd, Williamsburg 23185.
EDWIN R. RILEY
Williamsburg, Oct. 13, 1995 by CNB