06/03/2026
New World Screwworm-
On May 17th, livestock auction managers across the state were invited to a very informative meeting at Live Oak Livestock in Three Rivers. About 15 of us showed up along with a handful of producers. We met with Texas Animal Health representatives and state vet, along USDA coordinators in charge of the response.
There was a 4 hour meeting and discussion amongst us all reviewing their strategies and giving our points of view. I will say, TAHC and USDA were all very receptive and took our suggestions seriously. They have plans in place, but know they will change as the screwworm advances and different strategies are needed.
One thing noted on, was the change in government funding for the fly facilities in the past two years. The funding should have been done before that, but it was not granted. They know that Mexico originally dropped the ball and the US is behind.
Therefore they have taken all of the flies being released in Southern Mexico and shifted them to the Texas border a couple week ago now. There is another facility coming online in Mexico in July. We know it’s not enough to prevent the screwworm fly at this capacity, but to try and suppress it as much as possible until winter and more flies can be produced daily.
They have already increased their labor force in preparation to deal with an outbreak. Their goal is to keep it regionalized.
What that means for Cattle Ranchers- be vigilant and treat any animal you see immediately. There is Dectomax injectable and Exholt pour on to give you short term resistance. Any and all flycontrol will help.
At the moment, Florida is the only state restricting cattle from South Texas.
There are containment plans in place when they cross the border. They are still very fluid in that approach. What we do know is, they understand the importance of stopping this, but also the importance of keeping commerce going. Sale barns will be able to continue, cattle will still be able to travel, and slaughter facilities will still operate.
It will take a few more steps in the process, but it needs to be done to provide containment as quick as possible. This is not a barn fire, just one more thing to tackle. Ranchers were resilient in the 60s, and will be again today. We’re in this with you and will be glad to help anyway we can.
God Bless the American Rancher
