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
Utah Senator John Curtis joins us for “Champions of Rural America” to discuss new legislation to improve forest management and wildfire prevention and its broader implications for rural communities and infrastructure.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson joins us to discuss rural electric co-ops’ push for expanded USDA loan programs, rising energy demand from data center expansion, wildfire mitigation and other policy priorities impacting rural power infrastructure.
Farmland outlook is tracking closely with producer confidence, investment appetite, and financial expectations.
StoneX’s Josh Linville discusses USDA’s efforts to boost domestic fertilizer production and his outlook on supply and prices.

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:

Dry conditions remain a concern as Texas farmers prepare for another planting season.
The five-day auction drew up to 6,000 people and saw steady prices throughout the event
Longview FFA gives students practical experience from meat processing to floral design in their unique curriculum.
Son of a South Dakota Rancher, Kolt Mendenhall is turning his lifelong passion for riding into a collegiate career, committing to Southeastern Oklahoma State University next fall, bringing years of ranch experience to the collegiate arena.
Rodeo Austin exhibitor Kash Morrison reflects on how FFA taught him the importance of hard work and time management while competing in livestock shows during the school year.
Rodeo Austin exhibitor reflects on years of showing and the routines that get her ready for the ring.
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.