Earlier today, a local Missouri website briefly posted a report claiming a case of the New World Screwworm was found in the state’s livestock.
Frequent Market Day Report guest Brian Splitt told Markets Specialist Tony St. James about the news and how quickly the markets responded.
“He found on a local website in Missouri that it was posted that there was a screw worm that was found in Missouri, and the market sold off tremendously. We just saw that by the values on the board and how low they went. And then that site scrubbed it and took it off of the website. And then everything really started to recover right after that. So I don’t know if there’s validity to it.”
Moments later, USDA released a statement to RFD-TV confirming the reports are false.
Attributable to a USDA spokesperson:
Reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in the United States are not true. USDA is working with international partners to prevent NWS incursion into the United States. USDA has suspended imports of live cattle, horses, and bison through southern border ports of entry to prevent further spread of the parasite. Should USDA detect NWS in the United States, we will rapidly respond in coordination with state partners to eliminate it. We will also share information with all stakeholders. Please see USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website for the latest information.
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
January 29, 2026 12:44 PM
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Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
January 27, 2026 12:19 PM
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Nearly everyone in the South Texas ag community appears extremely worried about the potential of a New World screwworm epidemic, according to a local veterinarian. RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports.
January 23, 2026 11:56 AM
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Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
January 21, 2026 12:00 PM
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Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.
January 16, 2026 01:28 PM
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January 16, 2026 09:57 AM
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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.
January 07, 2026 12:57 PM
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New World Screwworm cases in Mexico, including one within 200 miles of the U.S. border, are adding pressure to livestock markets and trade decisions.
January 06, 2026 12:09 PM
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Preserving equity through active risk management remains critical in a volatile, supply-driven market.
January 06, 2026 06:00 AM
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