Tag: NWS

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. 

NMPF, FARM Prime Producers for Screwworm

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

More than 1,200 cases of New World screwworm were reported in Mexico during the month of May, with the latest confirmed case approximately 31 miles from the U.S.–Mexico border. Experts believe that a U.S. outbreak may be imminent, making it a top priority for NMPF and the National Dairy FARM Program that it administers.

The nature of the threat, which creates severe wounds that can lead to death in cattle, makes producer surveillance a key strategy to preventing and treating cases. The Food and Drug Administration has a growing list of medications which have either emergency use approval or conditional approval for the treatment and prevention of New World screwworm.

Currently, medications have been approved for use in lactating dairy cattle. FDA issued on May 19 an emergency use authorization (EUA) for doramectin injection, Dectomax-CA1, for use in lactating and dry dairy cows, as well as replacement heifers aged 20 months or older. The drug had previously received conditional approval for use in female dairy cattle younger than 20 months. The EUA expands the injection’s indications, offering more tools to help producers prepare for a potential outbreak.

Meanwhile, the FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Antibiotic Stewardship Program released its , which contains information on the current list of approved and authorized drugs for New World screwworm. Producers can use this resource to guide on-farm decisions that protect their herds while promoting judicious use of antimicrobials.

USDA has developed a five-pronged plan that focuses on early detection, treatment and containment, control of animal movement and investment in new treatment and control technologies. NMPF has actively participated in listening sessions to coordinate with federal and state partners on best practices to stop the spread. NMPF also submitted comments in favor of a USDA registration application for NovoFly April 22.

Producers who suspect they may have an animal infested with New World screwworm should contact their local veterinarian to file a report, collect samples for testing and to provide treatment recommendations. USDA has created an informational website that provides current information and updates on confirmed cases.

Farmers can expect movement requirements in affected areas, including inspection and/or treatment, to limit the spread once the screwworm has entered the United States. Farmers should work with their veterinarians and consult with state animal health officials on movement requirements.

Preparing producers for screwworm

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

By Dr. Jamie Jonker, Chief Science Officer

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released a draft of its New World Screwworm (NWS) Response Playbook in October, building on Secretary Rollins’ initial five-pronged plan released earlier this year to mitigate the spread of screwworm. The playbook outlines key approaches, resources, and tools to implement animal health response activities in the event of a U.S. detection of screwworm.

The National Milk Producers Federation participated in two stakeholder dialogues that were used to help inform USDA in developing the draft NWS playbook and has submitted written comments. APHIS is continuing to gather feedback from states and the industry to help ensure operational useability and alignment with field practices.

What this means for producers

The response playbook was developed to provide guidance for animal health officials and disease response teams, but it does contain some information and resources for farmers.

Key activities to note are:

  1. Producers who suspect a screwworm infestation in one or more of their animals should immediately quarantine affected animals and report the case to their local veterinarian, state animal health official, or USDA. Do not attempt to treat suspected screwworm without first reporting it to a veterinarian or health official.
  2. In the event of a screwworm infestation, USDA and/or state officials will immediately establish a minimum 20-kilometer infested zone and a surrounding 20-kilometer adjacent surveillance zone around premises with an infested domestic animal, the location of infested wildlife, or the location of NWS fly detections. They will also establish a fly surveillance area that overlaps and extends outward from the infested and adjacent surveillance zones.
  3. Once an infested zone is established, officials will implement area quarantine and movement requirements, including premovement animal health inspection and treatment when appropriate, based on standardized continuity of business NWS animal health certification guidance.
  4. A health certificate is required for interstate and intrastate movement of farm-raised animals originating from an NWS-infested zone. State animal health officials can provide guidance on the forms and state system to use.
  5. An official, validated premises identification number (PIN, premises ID) is required on all health certification forms for interstate and intrastate animal movement.
  6. All animals to be moved require animal identification.
  7. Owners of animals subject to NWS animal movement requirements are encouraged to obtain a valid premises identification and to implement animal identification requirements as soon as possible, and ideally before being located within an NWS-infested zone, to increase their readiness for NWS response.
  8. There are no outlined movement requirements for animals that are being moved from an unaffected area into an infested zone, or for animal products (milk).

How FARM helps

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Animal Care Program addresses key aspects of animal and facility management that can be used to prepare farms for an outbreak. Farmers are encouraged to use FARM resources and tools to create individualized on-farm best practices in animal welfare and biosecurity.

The FARM Animal Care Version 5 Standards outline:

  • The Herd Health Plan (HHP) includes a written protocol for pest control, fly control and parasite control. One protocol that specifies instructions for the control of each of the three areas or three separate protocols is acceptable for meeting this standard. While there are differences in the control of screwworm compared to regular flies, these protocols are a good starting point.
  • The HHP has a written protocol for biosecurity. Sound biosecurity protocols demonstrate a commitment to animal health and food safety. As part of an effective HHP, all farms should have a written biosecurity protocol that has been developed in consultation with their herd veterinarian.

For farms developing their biosecurity protocol, the FARM Biosecurity Program has resources that can help farmers build a protocol that fits their farm, is efficient for their staff and is effective as it is based upon sound biosecurity practices. FARM Biosecurity is a national platform, focused on preventing the introduction of, detecting the presence of, or containing the spread of infectious and noninfectious diseases. It provides farms with biosecurity plan templates and educational materials on the best management practices to prevent disease introduction and spread.

For more information on the FARM Program, please visit nationaldairyfarm.com.

This column originally appeared in Hoard’s Dairyman Intel on Dec. 4, 2025.