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
Officials say the virus is not a food safety risk and does not affect humans
With the Farm Bill now in the Senate’s hands, industry groups say the stakes are high—and timely action could be critical for producers navigating a difficult economic environment.
The Texas Department of Agriculture confirmed a New World Screwworm case about 119 miles from the Texas border, near Zapata, Texas, and north and west of the Rio Grande Valley.
Tennessee corn and soy farmer Josh Ogle joins us to discuss rapid planting progress in the state, improving moisture conditions, and early crop development challenges in the MidSouth region.

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:

Laura Priest with the Center for Rural Affairs joins us to discuss solar development trends and opportunities for agriculture and renewable energy production to coexist.
Dr. Stephanie Mercier, Senior Policy Adviser for the Farm Journal Foundation, discusses USDA’s New World Screwworm eradication, sterile fly production, trade restrictions, biosecurity, and the path ahead for U.S. cattle producers.
Farm groups urged lawmakers to maintain free and fair trade across North America.
Fir Ridge Holstein Farm continues to embrace new technology while raising registered Holsteins.
The updated lineup helps producers boost efficiency while enhancing operator comfort.
Global supply routes and U.S. energy inventories remain key factors for fuel markets
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.