Tag: new world screwworm dairy

NMPF, FARM Develop Screwworm Resources as Cases Climb

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

As New World screwworm cases have multiplied in the United States, NMPF and the National Dairy FARM Program have kept members up-to-date on quickly changing developments.

Since USDA confirmed the first case in Texas on June 3, 32 total animal cases across two states have been confirmed domestically, though none yet in a dairy cow. With screwworm expected to maintain a U.S. presence for potentially years, FARM and NMPF are offering resources to help farmers adjust to the new reality, while NMPF has led advocacy efforts to support outbreak response.

NMPF and FARM’s dedicated resource webpage to help producers stay informed. The page outlines what to watch for, state directives on movement controls and guidelines on prevention and treatment.

Resources available include a link to the Approved Animal Drugs & Pesticides fact sheet, which contains information on conditional approval or emergency use FDA-authorized drugs for dairy cattle, and FARM Biosecurity Program guidance on the Premises ID process, recommended for producers who may be subject to screwworm related travel restrictions.

NMPF Statement on the Return of New World Screwworm

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

From NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud:

The return of New World screwworm to the United States decades after its initial eradication is a disappointing milestone, but it’s also one for which dairy producers have been preparing for more than a year, in collaboration with USDA and across agriculture. It’s important to remember that this development has no effect on food safety, and that measures to combat both the screwworm and its spread are in place and time-tested. We appreciate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proactive efforts to prepare for this moment, and we stand ready to work with the department to address any ongoing challenges. 

Now that USDA has confirmed that screwworm is here, dairy farmers and all livestock producers pledge close collaboration with USDA, state and local officials, and producer organizations to mitigate any harmful effects and educate farmers on how to protect their herds. We have been creating resources to guide farmers in their responses, and we will keep our members well informed of any important screwworm developments.  

We also urge officials to follow scientific guidance in any decisions affecting animal movements and regulatory responses to avoid causing economic harm that could be greater than the screwworm itself. We also ask that adequate resources be provided to combat this problem, which causes suffering in animals and creates risk for producers.