A virus that hit cricket breeding operations has caused a shortage of petfood for exotic animal owners across Canada, according to an article from CBC news. The Densovirus affecting the industry disrupts the neurological system of insects, leading to paralysis and death.
"Customers are coming to us now," said Brad Gutka, a Canadian cricket producer. "Pet stores and things like that are coming to us and looking for new supplies."
Some pet store owners are looking to import crickets resistant to the disease, but this species is not currently on Canada's approved list of insect species. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is investigating the matter further.
