New World Screwworm
While USDA eradicated New World screwworm from the U.S. in 1966, there’s a constant risk of re-introduction. The parasitic fly larvae eat the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, such as cattle, causing serious, often deadly damage. 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.
With more than 2,000 active cases in Mexico and new detections just miles from the Rio Grande, USDA officials stress preparedness starts with awareness.
Learn which products are conditionally approved and why a strong veterinarian-client-patient relationship is the only way to manage this devastating pest.
Surveillance, reporting and veterinary partnerships are framed as critical ways to prevent a single case from becoming a national crisis.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins broke ground on a $750 million sterile fly facility in Texas and confirmed the border will remain closed until the New World screwworm threat is pushed back from the U.S. border.
From the fallout of Oklahoma’s poultry lawsuit to the looming threat of screwworm, NCBA’s Ethan Lane warns that ranchers are increasingly left to carry the burden of regulatory and legal shifts.
A new genetic innovation from the Agricultural Research Service aims to produce 100% sterile male flies, maximizing facility efficiency and safeguarding the U.S. livestock industry from NWS.
Following extensive industry feedback, the updated guide provides a science-based roadmap for states, ranchers and veterinarians to combat potential NWS outbreaks.
USDA weighs a phased reopening of Mexican ports with feeder cattle supplies at historic lows. The pressure to resume Mexican imports is mounting while fears of New World screwworm continue.
Kansas State Veterinarian Dr. Justin Smith outlines a coordinated plan built on surveillance, targeted treatment and movement controls to protect cattle operations while preserving business stability.
FDA issues emergency use authorization for topical spray to prevent and treat New World screwworm in multiple species.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins was in Edinburg, Texas, on Monday for the domestic NWS sterile fly dispersal facility ribbon-cutting ceremony.
FDA grants first emergency use authorization for an over-the-counter product for the prevention of NWS infestations in cattle.
If NWS does cross the border, quarantine and movement controls will be designed to inspect and treat affected animals. Adis Dijab, a veterinarian with APHIS, says this means producers can clear the rest of the herd and continue business.
Texas issues a statewide disaster declaration and USDA makes strategic reallocation of sterile flies to safeguard the U.S. livestock industry and public health.
Driving innovation to combat NWS and prevent its northward spread.
Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says with the confirmation of no cases of NWS in the U.S. the cattle market should rebound Tuesday. However, with outside markets seeing risk off selling that may temper some of the buying interest in cattle.
With a New World screwworm case now less than 200 miles from the U.S. border, Seth Meyer says the growing threat adds risk and uncertainty for cattle producers making critical calving-season decisions.
Cattle producers and industry leaders share their concerns as the calendar advances to 2026.
Texas producers need to remain on alert as NWS continues to move north. The newest detection is in the state of Tamaulipas.
FDA has conditionally approved a topical drug for prevention and treatment of NWS infestations in cattle.
APHIS confirms a New World screwworm case in a 22-month-old bovine transported from Veracruz to a feedlot in Nuevo León.
New website centralizing New World screwworm information across the federal government.
This facility will increase the range of sterile fly release and bolster preparedness for New World screwworm.
Mexico’s Agriculture Minister, Julio Berdegué, is scheduled to travel to Washington next week to discuss reopening the border.
NWS Response Playbook developed as a resource to help animal health officials and responders manage and adapt their response if New World screwworm is found in the U.S.
Scott Varilek, Kooima Kooima Varilek says the feeder futures have put on $22 this week and were due for a correction but still project to $388. Grains see pressure from China trade news.
Secretary of Ag Rollins announces new case of New World screwworm 170 miles from southern border.