Screwworm Threat Prompts Heightened Biosecurity as Experts Urge Vigilance

Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.

STILLWATER, Okla. (RFD-TV)Recent detections of New World screwworm in Mexico have prompted heightened biosecurity measures across the livestock industry, with producers urged to remain alert and prepared forpotential outbreaks.

Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the situation and outline what producers should know moving forward.

In her interview with RFD-TV News, Dr. Biggs emphasized that early detection is critical for New World screwworm. She explained how producers can take a proactive approach and highlighted key signs in livestock to watch for that could indicate the deadly parasitic infection spread by flies.

Biggs also emphasized the importance of staying informed and vigilant as the situation develops, noting that OSU is working to ensure producers have access to timely information and resources, and outlined the first steps producers should take if they believe they are encountering an outbreak New World screwworm.

Additionally, Biggs stressed that establishing a relationship with a veterinarian before an emergency occurs is essential, noting that preparation and communication can make a significant difference during a disease response.

Finally, Dr. Biggs also shared her outlook for the year ahead on the rural veterinarian shortage and its potential implications for animal health and protection in rural communities.

Related Stories
Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Batey joined us with the latest on biosecurity efforts and the state’s new “Know Before You Show” initiative.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses the state’s latest efforts to prevent the New World screwworm from reaching Texas.
Winter Weather And Markets Reshape Agriculture Nationwide This Week
Smaller cow numbers and a declining calf crop point to prolonged tight cattle supplies, limiting near-term herd rebuilding potential.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us with important insights on drug safety and rural health during the winter months.
Quinn Rutt of Upstream Ranch previews the Nebraska cattle operation’s 49th Annual Production Sale where buyers can expect standout sire groups and a blend of long-standing ranch practices with modern genetic selection.
Jessi Grote from the AgriSafe Network provides winter safety guidance for rural communities still recovering from the recent winter storm.
CattleCon 2026 officially kicks off Tuesday and continues through Thursday, bringing producers together to shape the future of the U.S. cattle industry.
The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The IRS recently issued its 2024 guidance on the extended replacement period for drought (and other weather-related) livestock sales. RFD-TV Ag Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen discusses the IRS’ extension of the replacement period for livestock sold due to weather-related conditions.
FarmHER Debra Lockard joined us Friday on the Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming show episode, which premieres on Tuesday, October 1 at 9:00 PM ET, only on RFD-TV!
Meet FarmHER Debra Lockard, a third-generation Tennessee produce grower who splits her time running two farms in West Tennessee and teaching ag classes that promote sustainable farming practices in her Memphis community.
What are some common mistakes that farmers and ranchers make regarding estate planning? Here are a few key ideas to consider from RFD-TV Ag Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law.
RFD-TV Farm Accounting & Tax expert Roger McEowen discusses crucial legal and tax issues for farmers and ranchers to manage operational risks in this Firm to Farm blog post.
FarmHER Kate Hitchcock joined us on the Market Day Report to discuss the upcoming episode of the show where Kirbe and the crew visit her family’s produce operation in California’s Salinas Valley, which premieres tomorrow, Sept. 24 at 9 PM ET only on RFD-TV.
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.