STILLWATER, Okla. (RFD NEWS) — Efforts to eradicate New World screwworm continue as both lawmakers and livestock animal health experts respond to the latest detections and livestock producers work to stay vigilant and enhance biosecurity protocols.
Sen. Roger Marshall Calls Canada’s Screwworm Restrictions an Overreaction
Canada temporarily closed its border to certain livestock from Texas after the parasite was detected in the state. Current restrictions prohibit cattle and horses that have been in Texas within the previous 21 days from entering Canada.
Marshall told RFD News he believes Canada’s reactionary measures go beyond what is necessary based on the current threat.
“It’s complicated. I think we need to measure twice and cut one time here,” Marshall said. “Usually, a million head of cattle come from Mexico into Texas. They’re fed on grasslands in Texas and Kansas, go to our feedlots, and eventually are processed as well. I don’t see how this is a threat to Canada.”
Marshall also noted that environmental conditions in Canada make widespread establishment of the pest unlikely.
“Their cold up there is gonna kill this screwworm fly anyway,” he said. “They tend to overreact. I’m focused now on Kansas and America right now.”
Despite growing concern over the pest’s return to the United States after more than five decades, Marshall says producers remain confident in the industry’s ability to manage the situation.
“I’ve talked to many of the ranchers and, believe it or not, we’re very confident,” Marshall said. “We’re very confident that we know how to treat this.”
He said producers may need to rely on treatments such as ivermectin and other management tools while USDA continues expanding sterile fly production, the cornerstone of the nation’s screwworm eradication strategy.
Marshall suggested the pest may have entered Texas through wildlife movement from Mexico, potentially involving deer, coyotes, or other animals crossing the border. He also emphasized that the issue does not pose a threat to the nation’s food supply.
“We have the safest food inspection in the world right now,” Marshall said. “All of our models are up and running, we’ve got great veterinarians, so I feel a lot of confidence from our producers right now.”
According to the USDA, there are now 12 confirmed cases of New World screwworm in the United States. Federal and state animal health officials continue surveillance, containment efforts, and sterile fly releases to prevent the pest from becoming reestablished in the country.
Industry leaders continue to stress that New World screwworm is an animal health issue and does not affect the safety of the U.S. food supply.
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to discuss the latest developments and what producers should keep in mind as the industry works to prevent the spread of the pest.
In her interview with RFD News, Biggs discussed the importance of early detection and how producers can take a proactive approach to monitoring for New World screwworm. She also addressed USDA’s efforts to release sterile flies in affected areas and discussed additional methods or tools that may be available to help eradicate the pest going forward.
Biggs emphasized the importance of staying informed and vigilant as the situation develops and discussed how she is helping producers access information and resources.
She also spoke about the value of establishing a relationship with a veterinarian before an emergency occurs and why that preparation is important for livestock operations.
Looking ahead, Biggs discussed what the path forward may look like as the industry continues working to stay protected from New World screwworm. She also shared final advice for producers and outlined steps they should take if they believe they have come in contact with the pest.
