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Work continues to push back NWS

The CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says there continues to be increased cooperation from Mexico’s government in the fight against New World screwworm. 

Colin Woodall tells Brownfield, “We believe the 44 flights a week that are going on right now that are distributing all of the production out of the Panama facility is helping slow the northward march.”

He says while conditions have improved, there’s still a lot of work to be done. “Everyday we can buy ourselves in order to build this facility or look at additional technologies is helpful,” he says.  

Woodall says there are resources available to better prepare producers for the pest. “From a description of how the fly works, to what it looks like, and what to look for, as well” he says.  “We’re also working with USDA to make sure we can get lists out of various products that treat the New World screwworm larvae in order to kill them once we do see them.”

He says fly traps have been placed along the border of Texas and Mexico.  “But it is important to remember this is not a wall of flies headed toward Texas,” he says.  “That’s not what we’re seeing.”

According to the latest report from the USDA, which was released last month, New World screwworm was detected about 370 miles from the Texas border. 

Educational resources are available at www.ncba.org and www.screwwormtx.org.