Texas A&M AgriLife’s Response to New World screwworm
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service quickly responded to New World screwworm since the initial case June 3.
The agency has developed an information hub that includes a suite of factsheets, educational calendar listings, news and links to other resources available at https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm. Recently released is a Field Guide for Beef Cattle Producers offering guidance on detection, reporting, collection, submission, treatment and prevention.
AgriLife Extension has also developed an online livestock inspection certification course, which upon completion, qualifies individuals to serve as New World screwworm inspectors. So far, the course has had more than 5,271 enrollees and more than 2,392 certifications of completion issued. County Extension Agents across the state are actively working with landowners to educate them on best management practices for monitoring livestock for infestation. Since June 1, County Extension Agents have conducted 136 NWS educational programs, reaching 18,932 landowners.
AgriLife Extension’s Disaster Assessment and Recovery Unit has deployed one of two teams of 12 specialists at livestock auction markets conducting inspections and at local ranch operations where cattle, goats and sheep are tagged, entered into a database and meeting other requirements before a certificate of movement is issued by a Texas Animal Health Commission.
Educational meetings have been held across South Texas and West Texas. A meeting at Hallettsville, Texas, drew more than 1,100 attendees.
The DAR Unit has staffed a liaison at the State Operations Center and a Public Information Officer as part of statewide response efforts.
Texas A&M AgriLife’s New World screwworm taskforce has been guiding efforts across its System agencies and working in partnership with other state agencies and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal Health Inspection Service.
