New World Screwworm Detections in Mexico Keep Southwestern Cattle Raisers on High Alert

Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Continued detections of New World screwworm in Mexico are keeping U.S. livestock producers on alert, as the industry works to stay informed and prepared for any potential threat.

Wayne Cockrell, Cattle Health and Well-Being Committee Chairman with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on the situation and what producers should be watching closely.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Cockrell discussed where things currently stand with New World screwworm detections in Mexico and the importance of monitoring developments. He emphasized steps producers can take to stay protected and highlighted resources available to help them remain informed.

Cockrell also addressed what a potential outbreak in the United States could mean for the livestock industry, including possible ripple effects across production and markets. He explained the importance of early response, outlining key signs producers should be aware of and the first steps to take if they believe they have come into contact with the pest.

Related Stories
His department will be using a synthetic bait called “Swormlure Five,” which is engineered to smell like an open wound, attracting Screwworm flies to the bait
The Illinois Farm Bureau shows how hemp can regenerate the earth and boost rural economies.
Betsy Jibben with Ag Market Consulting takes us behind the scenes on report day with AgMarket.net.
FarmHER Kait Thornton joined us on Thursday on the Market Day Report to talk about the podcast episode, her family orchard’s 100th anniversary + more!

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, adding a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Pork producers are making Veterans Day a little brighter for Iowa’s military families.
While there has been an increase in outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) this migration season, the CDC says the public health risk is low.
Cattle markets are collapsing this week, and analysts say that several factors are at play. Consumer beef prices also remain near all-time highs, threatening long-term demand.
If confirmed, early Chinese buys tighten nearby Gulf/PNW capacity and could bump basis in export-oriented regions.
Alan Bjerga, Senior Vice President of Communications with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), shares updates and resources available to dairy producers.
Culver’s Senior Marketing Manager Alison Demmer joins us to share the company’s deep-rooted partnership with FFA and ongoing commitment to support agriculture education.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.