Knoxville, Tenn. (RFD News) — Several states have placed restrictions on cattle imports from Texas as the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States continues to grow.
University of Tennessee professor Dr. Charles Martinez says it is still too early to know what impact the outbreak will have on cattle markets.
“Texas is so big that some of that might not be too much of a cause of concern... But if you’re in South Texas, and you’re used to hitting your daily or your weekly livestock auction or your local sale barn, there might be some implications right now by way of no supply, no demand, and the market just going zilch for a little bit because of this newness and this unknown-ness.”
Right now, the USDA has confirmed 16 cases of New World screwworm in the United States.
Meanwhile, Arkansas cattle producers are staying vigilant as the outbreak continues to spread.
Arkansas Farm Bureau is encouraging livestock owners to regularly check animals for wounds and maintain strong fly control programs, noting that untreated infestations can quickly become severe and even fatal.
