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.
“Most screwworm migration does not come from adult flies making heroic flights northward. Instead, it comes from the movement of infested animals — cattle, deer, wildlife — and yes, even in rare cases, people. Wherever the animal goes, the parasite goes with them,” says Dr. Christopher Lee.
Historically, colder temperatures have played a crucial role in controlling New World screwworm’s geographical spread.
FDA conditionally approves first drug for prevention and treatment of NWS infestations in cattle.
U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration’s is partnering with Texas A&M University to advance the sterile fly technique to halt NWS reproduction.
NWS traps will be deployed at the Texas border and ports to protect the livestock industry.
With New World screwworm within 70 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, the livestock industry is on high alert. USDA continues to fight the northward spread of the parasite while debate continues on the border closure.
Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says live and feeder cattle futures are sharply higher on Monday as news came late Sunday that New World Screwworm (NWS) had been detected 70 miles from the U.S. Mexican border. in an 8-month-old calf from a transported herd.
USDA says this is now the northernmost detection of NWS during this outbreak, and the one most threatening to the American cattle and livestock industry.
USDA is partnering with the cattle industry to keep NWS out of the U.S., especially the states along the southern border. They are stepping up their fight and are on high alert.
Mexico reports 53% increase in NWS cases since July.
University of Kentucky’s Kenny Burdine explains how the cattle markets reacted to the NWS news on the heels of the August cattle-on-feed report.
Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says live and feeder cattle futures gapped lower on the opening after a human case of New World screwworm (NWS) was announced over the weekend.
An individual who had traveled to the U.S. from El Salvador has been confirmed with NWS.
Scott Varilek, Kooima Kooima Varilek, says cattle fundamentals look supportive through fourth quarter, while corn and soybeans are running into chart resistance.
HHS allows FDA emergency use of animal drugs to combat New World screwworm.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a plan to build a facility near Edinburg, Texas. It will be capable of producing 300 million sterile flies per week to combat New World screwworm and is estimated to be in production in one year.
A critical line of defense, this mounted patrol is taking on new endeavors to keep NWS out of the country.
Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says there were signs in the cattle market prior to Friday’s sell-off indicating the market might be getting toppy. However, does the market negate the reversals like it has in the past?
The Arizona Livestock Incident Response Team (ALIRT) has rolled out resources and scouting kits to arm ranchers for early detection.
The next step to battling NWS is using swormlure, a synthetic bait designed to attract adult screwworm flies, combined with an insecticide to combat the pest.
Veterans of 2016 Florida Key deer outbreak reflect on lessons learned and share insight to protect Texas livestock and wildlife.
The image, the smell, the emotions: five cattle producers and veterinarians from around the world share their first-hand experience with New World screwworm.
Secretary Rollins takes decisive action and shuts down cattle, bison and equine trade due to further northward spread of the devastating pest in Mexico.
Identifying the flesh-eating parasite, which actually isn’t a worm, is key to keeping it out of the U.S. Recognizing a problem in an animal might come down to seeing a larval infestation in unusual circumstances.
Joe Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says live and feeder cattle futures had a gap lower opening this morning on news from USDA of a phased re-opening of the border to Mexican cattle starting July 7.
Following a New World screwworm assessment by USDA staff in Mexico and ongoing conversations between Secretary Rollins and the Mexican Secretary of Agriculture, USDA will start reopening the ports for cattle, bison and equine.
As the fight to keep the flesh-eating parasite out of the U.S. intensifies, the economic impact on ranchers and the industry is top of mind. “This pest will be one that leaves quite a mark on our economy,” says one veterinarian.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announces plans to reopen Moore Air Base in Texas as a New World screwworm sterile fly distribution facility. Long-term production is anticipated to be 300 million sterile flies per week.
NCBA’s Woodall says the goal is complete eradication — not just from the U.S., but from Mexico and Central America, ultimately pushing the fly back to its original range in South America.
In parts of Central America, illegal ranching on protected lands has become a front for drug trafficking and money laundering. The ripple effects of this trend now threaten U.S. cattle producers with the resurgence of a deadly livestock pest.