U.S. farmers and ranchers remain on high alert as New World screwworm (NWS) reported cases in Mexico continue to rise. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has warned it’s not a matter of if — but when — the pest makes its way back into the U.S.
According to Reuters, Mexico had recorded 5,086 NWS cases in animals as of Aug. 17, a 53% jump from the number of cases reported in July. The updated numbers, which had not been previously reported to the public, showed 649 currently active cases.
The increase in reported cases in Mexico can be attributed to Mexican cattle producers inspecting their cattle and reporting any suspicious wounds or insects. The majority of cases were identified in cattle, though Mexican government data also showed infestations in dogs, horses and sheep.
According to an NCBA spokesperson: “The increase of cases reported in Mexico shows that New World screwworm is still a very present threat. We need to continue full steam ahead with all possible prevention and mitigation tools. This includes the funding that Secretary Rollins has announced for a domestic sterile fly facility, coupled with increased surveillance and screening measures.”
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins was in Oklahoma on Sept. 12 and gave an update on efforts to keep NWS from crossing the border. She emphasized the urgency of coordinated action and outlined plans USDA is implementing to protect the nation’s food supply, livestock industry and border communities from the parasite.
“President Trump’s America First agenda means our (agricultural) community deserves unwavering support in the face of critical threats like this one,” she says. “As the situation evolves, we will continue our efforts to keep vulnerable livestock ranchers and the rest of America safe. The U.S. has defeated the NWS before, and we will do it again.
“These parasitic fly larva aren’t new, but they’re making a comeback in South and Central America, posing serious risks to the health of our animals, our food supply and our national security.”
While Rollins did not announce any new initiatives or policy changes, the briefing provided a comprehensive overview of USDA’s current five-point plan to contain NWS. USDA’s plan to prevent the spread of NWS includes investments of up to $100 million for innovations to find new ways to combat the insect and $750 million to create a facility in south Texas to sterilize flies and combat the spread.
Strategies to Battle the Pest
Along with USDA’s five-point plan, several other recent announcements have been made regarding tactics to prepare for and contain NWS.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller working closely with USDA and Rollins, announced the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is spearheading efforts to reintroduce an improved pest control method to NWS — Swormlure Bait.
Swormlure, a synthetic bait designed to attract adult screwworm flies, combined with an insecticide to combat the pest.
The Tick Riders, a dedicated group of mounted patrol inspectors, have joined the fight against NWS. The Tick Riders have been patrolling the southern U.S. border for more than 100 years. Their mission is to protect U.S. cattle from the cattle fever tick, a troublesome parasite that causes severe blood loss, weakness and can transmit deadly diseases like babesiosis and anaplasmosis. Now, they will also serve as a critical line of defense keeping NWS from crossing the border.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a declaration on Aug. 19 allowing the FDA to issue Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs to treat or prevent infestations caused by NWS. This declaration applies only to drugs for animals.
Visit Drovers’ New World screwworm website for more information about the pest.
