NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane on New World Screwworm: “In response to the detection of New World screwworm in southern Mexico, USDA is restricting the import of live animal commodities coming from or traveling through Mexico. So far, New World screwworm has only been reported in the southern state of Chiapas, near the Guatemala border and it has not yet been detected at the U.S.-Mexico border. New World screwworm was eradicated from the United States in the late 1960s using sterile flies, a technique that has successfully—until this year—kept this parasite at bay in Central America. NCBA will continue working with Congress and USDA to bolster the sterile fly program and protect the American cattle herd from infection.”
“U.S. cattle producers should remain vigilant and monitor their herds closely. New World screwworms look for open wounds, so immediate treatment of wounds or sores in cattle is essential. If cattle exhibit irritated behavior, head shaking, you notice the smell of decay, or spot maggots in a wound, seek treatment from a veterinarian immediately. New World Screwworms have orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes across their backs. If you see any suspicious flies, please alert your local veterinarian or contact USDA.”
