Forages - NC State Extension

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NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences NC State Extension NC State University - Department of Crop & Soil Sciences North Carolina Forage and Grasslands Council North Carolina Cattlemen's Association

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, people and birds. NWS larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious damage to livestock and economic losses. The affected animal is a 3-week-old calf and larvae were identified in its umbilical area. To date, there have been no further detections in the US.
Press release: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states

“The positive case in Texas is disappointing but is not surprising considering its proximity to Northern Mexico,” said State Veterinarian Mike Martin. “For several weeks the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division has worked closely with our counterparts in South Carolina to develop similar state plans for New World Screwworm control and the movement of livestock. We will continue to work collaboratively with a focus on medications for the treatment and prevention of this pest. We will also continue our efforts to collaborate with our federal partners to help our state be in a better position to prevent and control the spread of New World Screwworm.”

It is also important to note that New World Screwworm is not a food safety concern and the food supply is safe. More information can be found at the USDA website https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm.