The USDA has announced plans to reopen the southern border to cattle and bison imports in a phased approach, signaling progress in the effort to control the New World Screwworm threat. This move comes as positive news for the livestock industry, particularly cattle producers who have faced restrictions due to concerns over the parasitic pest. The decision also reflects encouraging signs that Mexico is making headway in managing the situation.
While most of the attention has been on protecting cattle and wildlife, experts caution that the New World Screwworm poses a serious risk to all warm-blooded animals, including hogs. National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Director of Swine Health, Dr. Anna Forseth, says the pork industry must stay engaged in the conversation. She provides a rundown of the situation from the swine sector’s perspective, stressing that the pest can be just as devastating to hogs and that vigilance is essential across all livestock species.
The biggest challenge in combating a pest like the New World Screwworm is that border shutdowns can only do so much. While they may stop the movement of potentially affected livestock through human-controlled transport, wild animals and the flies that spread the parasite don’t recognize borders. That’s why continued cross-border collaboration and surveillance remain critical in preventing a wider outbreak.
The Screwworm situation, along with broader foreign and domestic animal disease threats, is one of the driving factors behind the NPPC’s renewed effort to reevaluate producer concerns nationwide. Dr. Forseth says the organization is actively engaging with producers to better understand what’s affecting their herds. These conversations are helping shape the NPPC’s priorities and response strategies moving forward.
Be watching for any opportunities to share your feedback with NPPC. You can learn more by visiting the NPPC Website.
