New Mexico ranchers prepare for New World screwworm impact
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The USDA confirmed New Mexico's first screwworm case Monday. NMSU Assistant Entomology Professor Dr. Caleb Hubbard says ranchers in the area need to be vigilant to prevent the spread.
“You know, we all have to recognize that we in moments like this, we all have to come together," Dr. Caleb Hubbard said. "Because if you're not inspecting your animals and they're infested, well, then that's going to move from one producer to another producer, and then that's how it's going to spread.”
The threat is forcing clients of a local livestock auction house to consider prevention efforts as a new business expense.
“It is a lot of money for ranchers to have to do and a lot more and a lot of time and effort for them to do. But, you know, we have to keep our food source going,” Landmark Mercantile Livestock Auction spokesperson Jaden McClure said.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins held a press conference Monday to explain Texas' response to New World screwworm.
Gov. Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to active Texas's emergency response to a Level 2, or an escalated response, Monday.
"The protection of our ranchers, livestock producers, deer breeders, and the Texas economy from this pest is a top priority," Gov. Abbott said in a news release.
The USDA has confirmed four cases in Texas as of Monday.
"Sterile flies are the well-established solution to the spread of the New World screwworm," said Gov. Abbott. "The USDA is importing and dispersing those flies across South Texas and will recalibrate to deploy those sterile flies wherever needed. Texas is resilient. It is critical to stay vigilant and stay informed."
New world screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays eggs on open wounds of livestock. These wounds can become fatal if left untreated. The state plans on combatting it with a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg.
You can report suspected New World Screwworm cases in livestock to the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
