Ranchers urged to stay alert for screwworm

Crockett County—Livestock producers, ranchers, wildlife managers, veterinarians and community members gathered at the Crockett County Extension Office for a New World Screwworm situational update. State and federal officials emphasized that education, early detection and quick reporting remain the strongest defenses against the destructive livestock pest.

The program brought together experts from multiple agencies to discuss the current status of the New World Screwworm (NWS), prevention strategies, surveillance efforts and the coordinated response underway to protect Texas livestock, wildlife and the state's agricultural economy.

Local rancher Sam Houston Powers said he appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from experts and suggested the meetings continue.

“I think we should do these once a month to where we're not getting an overload of information and we can't get all our questions answered,” Powers said. 

Experts discuss coordinated response

The program featured presentations from representatives of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, the Texas Animal Health Commission and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Rear Adm. Michael Schmooyer, associate administrator for USDA-APHIS and director of the New World Screwworm Directorate, outlined the federal government's response to the growing threat. He stressed the importance of surveillance, rapid detection and cooperation among producers, veterinarians and government agencies to prevent the pest from becoming established in the United States.

Dr. Jeffrey Savell, vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, highlighted the role research, education and partnerships play in protecting the state's livestock industry.

Prevention remains key

Several speakers focused on practical steps producers can take to reduce the risk of infestation.

Dr. Sonja Swiger, an entomologist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, explained the biology, identification and prevention of the New World Screwworm and reflected on how the pest has shifted from a historical concern to a current threat.

“I never anticipated that the New World Screwworm would be one of those that I would be fighting officially,” Swiger said. “We've talked about it over the years because we knew it was still out there.”

Throughout the program, speakers emphasized that education, vigilance and prompt reporting are essential to protecting Texas livestock, wildlife, and the state’s agricultural economy. Attendees were encouraged to routinely inspect animals for wounds or signs of infestation and report any suspected cases immediately.

Keep an eye on the Ozona Stockman to receive future updates on the on-going screwworm infestation.