MCALLEN, Texas (RFD News) — Concern over the spread of the New World screwworm continues to grow in South Texas, where ranchers and agricultural leaders are closely monitoring the situation.
RFD-TV correspondent Frank McCaffrey spoke with U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, whose district could be among the areas most affected if the flesh-eating pest continues moving north.
Gonzalez said ranchers in the region are already expressing concern about the potential impact on cattle operations and livestock values.
“I talked to a rancher right now that’s talking about moving his cattle to the northern part of the state because he doesn’t want them to have them under new rules, quarantine rules, or to affect the value of the cattle in South Texas,” Gonzalez said.
Communications Director Gary Joiner with the Texas Farm Bureau is encouraging producers to remain vigilant and watch for signs of New World screwworm flies.
“Just be more aware of indications, signs, animal behaviors, all things that can help them detect early if new world screwworm flies have arrived in their area.”
Gonzalez expressed concern that sterile fly production efforts have not moved quickly enough to prevent the pest’s spread, while Texas Farm Bureau officials said USDA has dedicated significant resources to the response and is working to expand sterile fly production capacity.
Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reporting for RFD News.
For more USDA information about New World Screwworm, visit: www.screwworm.gov
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