News

Expanded treatment options are becoming available as producers prepare for potential screwworm outbreaks

The cattle industry remains on high alert as New World screwworm continues to threaten the U.S. herd. Dr. Lee Bob Harper with Zoetis says many producers today lack firsthand experience with the pest. “We have to kind of know what we’re looking for and be vigilant, be watching, be prepared,” he says.

He tells Brownfield that means working closely with local veterinarians. “If you have a case, first and foremost is to keep the welfare of the animal in mind,” he says. “First, let’s treat the pest. Let’s get rid of the larva. Treat the wound. Report is very, very important to the USDA. And then have some kind of preventative plan in place to protect the other animals in your proximity.”

Haper says there are more preventative and treatment options available to producers. He says Dectomax/Dectomax-CA1, the only non-prescription, conditionally approved product on the market, is now available in more sizes. “The 100 mil bottles are added to that approval, which just offers some convenience and another option for the smaller producer,” he says.

The 250mL and 500mL sizes were conditionally approved in late 2025.

New World screwworm has not been detected in the U.S., but has continued to creep further north. The latest case was detected about 90 miles from the Texas border.

All southern ports of entry remain closed to livestock trade from Mexico.

AUDIO: Dr. Lee Bob Harper, Zoetis