Next Level Rodeo Queen LLC

The darling Kelsey in a Next Level horsemanship shirt! ❤️

MRN Contestant Kelsey Hutton

🪰 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐦: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰

Recent confirmed cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas have raised concerns throughout the livestock industry. While historically eradicated from the United States, the parasite has now been detected in South Texas, prompting increased monitoring and biosecurity efforts.

🪰 What Is New World Screwworm?
New World Screwworm is the larval stage of a fly that lays eggs in wounds or openings on warm-blooded animals. Unlike common maggots that feed on dead tissue, screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe damage, pain, and infection.

⚠️ What Should Horse Owners Watch For?
Pay close attention to:
🔹 Cuts, scrapes, or lacerations
🔹 Surgical incisions
🔹 Castration sites
🔹 Umbilical areas in foals
🔹 Hoof injuries or abscess tracts
🔹 Any wound that is draining or slow to heal

Signs of possible infestation include:
• Excessive swelling around a wound
• Foul odor or abnormal discharge
• Visible larvae within the wound
• Increased pain or irritation
• Wounds that rapidly worsen despite treatment

✅ Prevention Is Key

✔️ Inspect horses daily for wounds or injuries
✔️ Promptly clean and treat all wounds
✔️ Maintain aggressive fly control measures
✔️ Keep surgical sites protected during healing
✔️ Contact your veterinarian if a wound appears abnormal or is not healing properly

🚛 How Could This Affect Travel?

As federal and state officials respond to confirmed cases, movement requirements and travel recommendations may continue to evolve. Certain regions may have additional inspection, permitting, or movement restrictions. Owners planning to attend horse shows should stay informed and ensure all health documentation is current.

Mid-South Equine will continue monitoring updates from the USDA, Texas Animal Health Commission, and other animal health officials and will share important information as it becomes available.

📞 940-230-6611
📍 35 McDaniel Rd | Tioga, TX
🌐 midsouthequine.com