USDA’s APHIS has added El Salvador and Belize to the list of regions affected by New World Screwworm after confirmed outbreaks in both countries.
As a result, imports of horses, ruminants, swine, and dogs from these countries into the U.S. are restricted unless the animals are inspected and treated for Screwworm. These steps aim to keep the pest from spreading to U.S. livestock and protect animal health.
Earlier this week, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins told the House Agriculture Committee that she is preparing to announce a plan to combat New World Screwworm. She said the upcoming steps will be unlike anything seen before and expects the Committee to be very pleased.
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Fewer placements and historically low marketings point to tighter cattle supplies ahead, with Nebraska and Kansas gaining ground as Texas feedlots face supply pressure and the threat of New World Screwworm.
What is it like working cattle with an outbreak of New World Screwworm so close to home? Wayne Cockrell, with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, joined us on Wednesday to discuss.
“We believe that it is just a matter of days or weeks... before we see New World screwworm in Texas.”
With the latest detection just across the border, animal health officials on both sides are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak before it spreads further north.
“Continue to help us push the New World screwworm back to the Darién Gap and hopefully towards eradication.”
“I don’t think we’re going to see cattle coming across the border at all because of that increase in their cases in Mexico.”
“We as NCBA, we’re not shocked to see that there is a human case.”
