In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, about the growing threat of New World Screwworm as confirmed cases continue moving north through Texas, raising concerns for cattle producers in Oklahoma.
With 16 total cases now confirmed and 13 still active according to USDA, the closest known case remains near San Angelo—a distance Kelsey says is becoming increasingly concerning.
“I was somewhat of the thinking that we’re going to see it in the United States, so it wasn’t a matter of if, it was more of when,” Kelsey said. “But I just kind of thought to myself, well, Oklahoma’s got a pretty good shot of getting out of 2026 without seeing a case. I think the reality is we’re much closer to seeing a case in 2026 than we are not.”
He said producers need to accept that possibility and begin operating accordingly. “We’ve got to prepare for this kind of northward movement. San Angelo is about as close as it’s getting to us at this point in time. I think it’s realistic to expect it to move a little further north.”
Questions Remain About How Screwworm Is Spreading
Kelsey said one of the biggest unknowns is exactly how the fly is moving. “Let’s just be honest with ourselves—we’re not quite sure exactly how this fly is moving. Is it moving itself or is it being transported?” he said.
Officials know infected livestock are being inspected before leaving infected areas, but wildlife and fly migration remain harder to track. “We know it’s not being transported on critters because they have to be inspected before they leave an infected zone,” Kelsey explained. “But we don’t know about wildlife, and we don’t know about the fly movement itself.”
Despite the uncertainty, Kelsey praised both USDA and Texas animal health officials for containing outbreaks. “As USDA and the Texas Department of Animal Health get more in control—and they’re doing a good job, in our opinion—I think we’ve got a good plan in place.”
He also credited Oklahoma agriculture leaders, including State Secretary of Ag Blayne Arthur and State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall, for being prepared. “We’re going to have to live with this for a while until we get the sterile fly production up and going, but otherwise I think we’re in a good spot.”
What Happens If Oklahoma Gets a Case?
Kelsey said if Oklahoma confirms a screwworm case, producers should expect movement restrictions—but not a total shutdown.
Texas has already provided a model for how response protocols would work. “If a case is discovered, then that infected zone around that area—approximately 20 miles, give or take—will be established, along with a surveillance area outside of that.”
Within those zones, livestock movement becomes restricted and additional inspections are required. But Kelsey stressed cattle can still be sold and transported. “Folks can still move their cattle, can still market their cattle—they just have to go through some inspection.”
That distinction is important because Kelsey worries some producers may hesitate to report suspected cases. “I know it may be tempting—gosh, if they’d never know I had it, then I wouldn’t be quarantined.”
But hiding a case would only worsen the situation. “You’re not really quarantined—you’re just restricted. The only way we get sterile fly release around where we have flies is if we report it. If we don’t report it, then we don’t get the sterile flies, and we can’t mitigate.”
Producer Readiness Starts Now
Kelsey’s main message to Oklahoma cattle producers is simple: be ready now, not later. That starts with closely monitoring cattle, especially during calving season when wounds or open navels create opportunities for infestation. “We’ve got to be vigilant about looking at our cattle, especially during calving or any time we know we’re going to have wounds.”
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong veterinary relationship. “Have a good veterinary-client relationship, because some of these drugs you can’t get without that relationship.”
If something suspicious appears, report it immediately. “If we see something, let’s report it. Department of Ag and cattlemen—we’re going to lock arms with you. We’re going to work with you so you can continue to market your cattle and still do business, albeit differently.”
Health Papers and Movement Rules Matter
Kelsey also reminded producers to understand Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)—commonly called health papers—which are required for most interstate livestock movement. “If you move cattle across state lines, with a few exceptions, you’ve got to have a CVI.”
That includes show cattle, breeding stock, and many other transported animals. If cattle are coming from a surveillance or infected zone, additional paperwork and regulations may apply. “It’s not for lack of the ability to transport or move cattle. It might just be additional steps that need to be taken to make sure we’re not inadvertently spreading larva and maggots around the countryside.”
Kelsey: Operate as If Screwworm Is Coming
As the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Convention approaches in July, Kelsey said producer education will be a major focus. He believes the best mindset is preparation—not panic. “I’m not trying to be pessimistic—I’m trying to be realistic.”
That realism has already changed how he manages his own operation. “I’m operating my own cattle operation as if screwworm is going to exist in Oklahoma.” He encouraged every producer to do the same. “I’m checking those cattle. I’ve got a good veterinary-client relationship working. I’m just being prepared.”
And if the pest reaches Oklahoma, knowing the process ahead of time will help producers continue business with minimal disruption. “We’re in a good spot, considering we’ve got a very serious issue going on here. We’re still in a good spot to work forward and move forward.”
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
