News

False New World screwworm report being investigated in MO

An investigation is underway into the false report that New World screwworm was detected in Missouri.  

Missouri State Attorney General Andrew Bailey and Ag Director Chris Chinn requested the inquiry to determine if the act was done with malicious intent to incite panic in the markets. Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Rural Crimes Investigation Unit (RCIU) and the Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force are conducting the investigation. 

A press release containing false information was allegedly sent to a northwest Missouri radio station and was then posted online. While the information was online for a short period of time, it triggered a sell-off in the markets and raised animal health concerns. 

Missouri Farm Bureau sent a letter to Attorney General Bailey asking for the investigation. Read the letter.

R-CALF USA recently sent a letter to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Division of Enforcement requesting an investigation into the origin of the initial release. 

New World screwworm is a deadly parasitic fly that infests warm-blooded animals, causing severe wounds and complications that can lead to death. The USDA has suspended imports of live cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico due to the continued northward spread of NWS.

If anyone has information, they’re asked to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 573-526-6122.