MERCEDES, Texas (RFD News) — With confirmed cases of New World screwworm in Texas, members of the South Texas agricultural community are taking note and seeing some changes.
RFD-TV Correspondent Frank McCaffrey spoke with a cattleman and veterinarian from the region about what they are hearing from farmers and ranchers near the border.
With abundant media coverage surrounding New World screwworm, Mercedes cattleman Mike England said he hopes common sense and calmness prevail.
“Sensationalism sells, first off. I think we need to take a sensible approach to any given problem to work a solution.”
However, Brooks County veterinarian Dr. Mike Vickers offered a different perspective.
“I don’t think it’s been sensationalized enough actually because we’re looking at a huge, huge economic disaster.”
Vickers added he expects quarantines to be implemented.
“Yeah I think there will be some quarantines, and I’m sure that those properties that the confirmed cases on are under some kind of a quarantine right now. I haven’t found out exactly what they are. I’ve got I’m waiting on some calls from Animal Health Commission and USDA to let me know so I can let ranchers know.”
For now, producers are working to stay informed.
Vickers said he has been hearing from people across South Texas seeking information about screwworm and treatment recommendations, noting that many know he dealt with the pest during outbreaks in the 1970s.
Vickers said the issue is not limited to South Texas and encouraged producers across the country to contact their local veterinarian and learn what response protocols may be recommended.
