After the recent discovery of New World Screwworm in Texas last week, several agriculture leaders have released statements sharing how they are taking action to combat this livestock industry threat. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said “We have been working in close coordination with federal, state and industry partners to prepare for the New world screwworm’s arrival in the …
USDA Takes Action Against New World Screwworm
A confirmed detection of New World Screwworm was found recently in Zavala County, Texas. In a post on X, Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, said “The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas Animal Health officials are taking immediate action to contain and eradicate NWS from the area.” Secretary Rollins also spoke on the measures currently being implemented to exterminate NWS, …
Current Response Actions To Address New World Screwworm
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins provided an update on the New World Screwworm response on Tuesday where she discussed what would happen if a detection were to occur in the United States. “We are preparing to implement the very moment the fly makes it into our country. If we have a domestic detection USDA and relevant state animal health …
New World Screwworm Detections Inching Closer to US-Mexico Border
New World Screwworm is inching closer to the U.S.-Mexico border with new reported detections over the past week. According to screwworm.gov, the latest detections of screwworm have been reported within 100 miles this past week, with the closest being approximately 31 miles from the border. Generally, the detections have been confirmed affecting cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, and dogs, with all …
Texas Senate Committee Hosts Panel on New World Screwworm
The Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs hosted a panel of experts during a hearing this week on New World Screwworm. Panelists for the hearing included Deputy Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins, Texas Parks and Wildlife Executive Director David Yoskowitz, Texas A&M University Entomology Department Head Phillip Kaufman, and Dr. TR Lansford, DVM and …
FDA Issues Emergency Approval for Topical Powder For NWS Prevention and Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for a topical powder to prevent and treat New World Screwworm infestations. According to the FDA, “The FDA has concluded that based on the scientific evidence available, it is reasonable to believe that Negasunt Powder may be effective for the prevention and treatment of NWS myiasis in cattle, …
USDA APHIS Releases New World Screwworm Response Playbook
The USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service has released the updated New World Screwworm Response Playbook in the event that the pest is detected in the United States. According to APHIS, “The updated Playbook outlines critical science-based strategies for Federal, state, tribal, and local responders, including how to: Coordinate response operations; Reduce spread and prevent establishment of NWS in new areas; …
New Pesticide Product To Address New World Screwworm Received by the EPA
Last week, the Federal Register included a notice from the Environmental Protection Agency that they have received a request to register a new pesticide product for the treatment of New World Screwworm. The notice states that the request is from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for “NovoFly male-only genetically engineered (GE) New World screwworm (NWS) in USDA’s Sterile Insect Technique …
FDA Approves Wound Spray for Treatment of NWS
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a wound spray for the treatment of New World Screwworm infestations. The approval was given through an Emergency Use Authorization for F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray and according to the FDA, “may be effective in the prevention and treatment of NWS myiasis in cattle, horses, minor species of hoof stock (e.g., sheep, goats, …
Veterinarians Across The Southeast Come Together For Annual Conference
Veterinarians across the southeast will be coming together this weekend for the Southeastern Food And Farm Veterinary Summit and we caught up with Dr. Keri Riddick with the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association to learn more. Dr. Riddick said, “So this weekend starting on Friday, March 6th, we have the Southeastern Food and Farm Veterinary Summit and this is an annual conference that …










