FORT WORTH, Texas (RFD-TV)— Cattle producers along the border are tightening safety protocols following the latest detection of New World Screwworm in Mexico, just 70 miles from the Texas border. The discovery raises fresh concerns about the threat to U.S. herds and the ongoing challenge of controlling the parasite.
Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share what it’s been like working through an outbreak so close to home and what it could take to protect and rebuild the U.S. herd.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Cockrell explained the renewed risk this latest case poses for Texas producers, the current use of sterile fly releases in Mexico, and the expected role of a sterile fly facility in Texas. He also noted that industry leaders are calling for stronger protocols in light of the recent detection.
Cockrell discussed the continued delay in cattle movement across the border and its impact on producers, as well as his association’s support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) effort to hold Mexico accountable for its failures in screwworm management. He also shares key steps and resources producers can consult to safeguard their herds.
As markets anticipate a return to normal trading following the New Year’s holiday, the possibility of the southern border re-opening to cattle is capturing much attention.
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