RAYMONDVILLE, Texas (RFD News) — Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is continuing its effort to educate producers and the public about New World screwworm as concerns grow over the pest’s northward movement.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension joined the Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife and other groups this week to encourage a unified effort to report and stop the spread of New World screwworm. Attendees also learned how to recognize the pest, including its distinctive odor and the fact that it does not infest animals that are already dead.
Extension Agent Georgina Macias emphasized the importance of detecting the disease.
“This event is an educational program to get science-based factual information to the public, both general public and livestock producers, as well as people who enjoy wildlife here in the state of Texas. Just some educational information about what the screw worm is, who and what it can affect, basic biology, and what we can do to mitigate any kind of spread.”
Macias said the educational outreach has been underway for about a year and a half as New World screwworm has continued moving north.
South Texas rancher Mitchell Thomas says producers are responding by monitoring livestock more closely and taking a more proactive approach to herd health.
“We’re doing what everybody has been asking us to do. We’re continuing to try to control the fly population. We’re getting our cattle to where we can keep a better and closer eye on them at all times, and being just that much more proactive in terms of trying to make sure when and if we end up with a case.”
While producers are taking those precautions, many remain concerned about the potential impact a New World screwworm outbreak could have on their operations and livestock values.
Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reporting for RFD News.
