CENTREVILLE &045;&045; Inspectors from the state Department of Health this week investigated complaints from Centreville residents about a cattle feedlot operation, an official confirmed Thursday.

&uot;One of our local health officials talked to residents in Centreville on Tuesday.

They also visited with the feedlot’s operators to supply some assistance with fly control,&uot; said Tim Darnell, the department’s director of general environmental services.

The feedlot is located adjacent to Mississippi 24 and Hospital Road on property owned by Centreville resident Joyce Vine.

Cattle have long been pastured on the property, but the herd increased dramatically when the feedlot operation started last year. Darnell said a public health entomologist will meet with the feedlot’s operators on Monday.

&uot;Our concern is with controlling the flies.

The operators have been very cooperative and receptive to our suggestions,&uot; Darnell said.

In January, about a dozen homeowners from a residential area

near the feedlot complained to Centreville aldermen of strong odors, flies, and possible health risks.

Centreville officials said the group’s complaint would be better lodged at the county level since the feedlot was only partially located inside the town limits.

A Centreville resident who made similar complaints to the Wilkinson County Board of Supervisors in July was advised to contact the state’s Department of Health.