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.
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.
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.”
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.
