OKFB statement on discovery of New World Screwworm in Texas
Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Stacy Simunek issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the presence of New World screwworm in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas, on June 3.
“With today’s news of the first case of New World screwworm in the United States in decades, this is a time for farmers, ranchers and our entire agriculture community to work together to ensue this pest is contained and eliminated as quickly as possible.
“We urge agricultural producers around our state to learn what an NWS instance on their farm or ranch would look like as we step up our vigilance as an industry to make sure we can mitigate the spread. We know that a proactive approach will help ease the market volatility that we now expect with the discovery of NWS in our country.
“We also want consumers to know that NWS does not present a food safety concern, and that USDA continues to not only monitor the active NWS situation, but also conduct ongoing, regular food inspections to make sure our food supply is safe.
“We thank USDA and Secretary Rollins’ proactive work over the last year to prepare for what we feared was the inevitable arrival of NWS on U.S. soil, and we ask the Trump administration to continue prioritizing our nation’s NWS monitoring and response to ensure this pest is contained and eliminated as quickly as possible.”
OCA Statement: USDA has provided confirmation of a case of New World Screwworm fly in south Texas. OCA appreciates the quick response and most importantly, the robust preparation of USDA, Texas Animal Health officials and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF). While we knew this day was a matter of time, the animal production industry is prepared and has responded with an aggressive plan. OCA has been an active part of ODAFF’s work to prepare and we greatly appreciate the leadership of Secretary Arthur and State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall. It is important to note that this is not a food safety issue. While there has been no other confirmed cases in the United States, all cattle producers are encouraged to monitor their livestock closely and contact their veterinarian if they suspect a case of NWS.
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Stephen Diebel responded to a confirmed case of New World screwworm detected in an umbilical cord lesion on a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas:
“This is a serious animal health threat, particularly for Texas, but it is not a food safety issue and ranchers and landowners should not panic. For the past 18 months, we have worked alongside our state and federal partners to prepare for the possibility of a positive New World screwworm case, and that preparation now positions us to respond quickly and effectively.
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association has worked alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to increase surveillance, sterile fly production and dispersal capacity. We have identification, treatment and reporting protocols in place. We are exceptionally grateful for the leadership and response of our partners on this issue.
Texas ranchers and landowners may be on the front lines of this challenge, but they are not facing it alone. TSCRA continues to provide information and resources and ensure there is a voice speaking on their behalf and ensuring their interests are represented.
We ask ranchers and landowners to regularly put eyes on their livestock and wildlife, maintain a strong relationship with their veterinarian and report suspicious wounds or infestations immediately. Early detection, rapid response and limiting animal movement when necessary remain our strongest tools for containing and eradicating New World screwworm.”
