The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed a case of New World screwworm (NWS) on a cattle operation near La Pryor, TX, about 50 miles from the Mexico border. Samples were taken from a 3-week-old calf with larvae present in an umbilical lesion and sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, IA, for confirmatory testing. Currently, there are no other cases.
The infected operation has been quarantined and a 20 km/12.4 mi. infested zone has been established around the location for movement control and surveillance. Stop movement orders will not impact cattle movements or operations outside this zone. APHIS has expedited the targeted release of sterile NWS flies by immediately deploying ground-release chambers in the area, in addition to the 4 million sterile flies per week already being released aerially in the region. Trapping efforts also are being increased along the border and just outside the dispersal area.
NWS infests livestock and other warm-blooded animals most often through an open wound and feeds on living flesh. Producers should familiarize themselves with the signs of NWS infestation and be vigilant in monitoring their livestock. If an infestation is suspected, call a local veterinarian.
For more information on NWS, click here.