New World Screwworm Threat Extends Beyond Cattle, National Pork Board Warns

Dr. Patrick Webb, Assistant Chief Veterinarian with the National Pork Board, discusses New World Screwworm biosecurity outside of cattle production.

screwworm in us 1280.jpg

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD News) — As the USDA continues its response to New World screwworm, livestock producers are being reminded to stay vigilant and understand the risks the pest poses to animal health.

Dr. Patrick Webb, Assistant Chief Veterinarian with the National Pork Board, joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report for a closer look at the current situation.

In his conversation with RFD News, Webb discussed the current status of New World screwworm and the potential threat it poses to the U.S. livestock industry.

The discussion also focused on why pork producers should remain alert alongside cattle producers and what steps farmers and ranchers should take following the recent confirmation.

Webb additionally addressed whether New World screwworm could impact livestock transportation and reviewed the procedures producers should follow if they suspect an animal has been exposed.

He also shared the first steps producers should take if they believe they have encountered New World screwworm.

Related Stories
CME Group’s Fred Seamon joins us to break down the drop in farmer sentiment, discuss the role of input costs and global factors, and share his outlook for the ag economy ahead.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney and other experts break down ongoing energy market volatility, its impact on producer decision-making, and key indicators farmers should monitor moving forward.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Tennemo Rice Family Farm & Mill is Tennessee’s first and only family-owned rice farm and mill, handling everything from planting to milling and packaging.
Georgia Rep. Jaclyn Ford reflects on her farming roots and cotton gin experience, saying agriculture drives her work and rural policy priorities in the state.
First-grade teacher Taylor Dougherty at Eastern Elementary School was named the 2026 Ag in the Classroom Award winner for her efforts to teach students about agriculture.
Lawmakers say payments will support schools, infrastructure and public safety in rural communities.
Initiative brings students from different backgrounds together to build relationships and broaden perspectives
Arkansas Farm Trail Passport brings visitors to operations across the state, like Horton’s Produce & More, where strawberry harvest focuses on quality over quantity.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
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.