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
Merck’s Gary Tiller discusses new virtual fencing technology and how fence-free livestock management could change the way ranchers manage land and cattle.
At CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses profitability, consumer demand, and how the integrated U.S.–Canada beef supply chain impacts cattle producers across North America.
Top issues facing the beef industry took center stage at CattleCon this year in Nashville.
Texas cowboy chef and host of RFD Network’s Twisted Skillet, Sean Koehler, shares an elote-style street corn dip just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. This skillet-cooked corn dish combines open-fire cooking and bold regional flavors for a delicious twist on Mexican Street Corn.
Predator pressure and public lands policy were front and center at CattleCon.
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association’s Trenton Priddy preview this year’s event, which is now streaming on RFD+
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX), who sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, spoke exclusively with RFD NEWS about what Congress is doing to address screwworm concerns, including funding for a sterile fly production facility in Mexico.

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.
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.