NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) Nearly all confirmed U.S. cases of New World Screwworm remain in Texas.
While the outbreak has been limited geographically, agricultural officials in Washington state say producers across the country should remain alert.
“You know, I think it’s somewhat regional,” explains Pam Lewison. “We actually have more cross-border contact with Canada than with the southern border. But I do think it is still something that we need to be vigilant about.”
The American Farm Bureau Federation economist Bernt Nelson agrees that vigilance is essential, but says every livestock operation should also have a thorough biosecurity plan.
“A few other things we need to think about here include vigilant biosecurity on the farm level,” Nelson adds. “It’s really important for farmers to get eyes on their animals as frequently as possible, to establish a working relationship with their veterinarian, and to keep ties close in case there’s a suspicious case that needs to be reported to the vet. We need to inspect pens for anything that could cause a wound, as well as to follow veterinarian protocols for dressing wounds that could be susceptible to New World screwworm.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the most recent confirmed cases include a lamb and two calves, all located in Texas.
