New World Screwworm at the Top of Cattle Producers' Minds

The threat of the New World screw worm coming into the US or Mexico remains at the forefront of industry discussions. Currently, no cattle are currently moving from Mexico into us feed lots due to a border closure.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, "While producers are concerned about the impact of the domestic cattle supply, the greater priority is stopping the spread of the screwworm. They're concerned about that, but they're more concerned about the screwworm and the threat of the screwworm, and that has got to be managed. We all know how critical it is to make sure that we stop that screw worm from entering into our country, because it could devastate the industry.”

Some producers have suggested solutions such as vast dipping cattle at the border, an idea aimed at keeping trade moving between the two countries, while also keeping us feedlots full, especially with herd numbers at record lows.

“But the main control method being worked on right now is increasing the sterile flight capacity in the United States and in South America, yeah, and, you know, and I'll leave that up to the experts and the veterinarians that make that decision, but I think the Secretary has done a great job of trying to put the facilities in motion down there to create the flies that will help us combat that disease we can't afford for that enter into our country.”

AFBF President, Zippy Duvall.