The cattle industry continues to closely monitor the growing threat of New World screwworm as detections move closer to the U.S. border. During the recent NAFB Washington Watch event, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes said producers should understand that, unlike other livestock disease threats, flies cannot simply be stopped at a border crossing.
Johannes said the livestock industry is working closely with the USDA and state animal health officials to prepare response plans if screwworm is eventually detected inside the United States. She said the current focus is on making sure producers understand what restrictions and monitoring efforts could look like in affected areas.
Johannes explained that a screwworm response would differ significantly from livestock disease outbreaks such as foot and mouth disease or African swine fever that could trigger immediate nationwide movement shutdowns. Instead, USDA’s current framework would rely on layered monitoring and treatment zones around any confirmed detection while still allowing cattle movement under additional inspection and treatment requirements.
Johannes also emphasized that USDA officials would not be attempting to shut producers down if a case is detected. She said response teams would focus on determining whether the detection involved an isolated case or an established fly population that could pose a greater threat to livestock operations in the region.
She encouraged producers to stay connected with their state veterinarians and livestock organizations as the USDA continues refining its response plans and outreach efforts.
