February 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 35 Chiapas. This detection was very concerning for us at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) because the presence of NWS in Mexico increases the chances it could appear in the United States. At the time of this article, NWS has not been discovered in the United States, but the pest can travel on humans, vehicles, pets and even wild animals, all of which increases the likelihood that it could eventually enter our country. Even before NWS was spotted in Mexico, NCBA was tracking this issue and was in talks with USDA APHIS to increase the production of sterile male flies to strengthen the sterile insect technique used for eradication of NWS. Releasing these sterile flies is still the most effective way to eradicate NWS, but the technique requires a large number of flies to be produced. USDA APHIS currently procures flies from a facility in Panama, but more flies are needed. Increasing production or launching a new fly facility will require funding, which is why NCBA has also been meeting with staff on the U.S. House and U.S. Senate Appropriations Committees. These congressional committees are responsible for authorizing all U.S. government spending, and their support is crucial for giving USDA APHIS the resources it needs to combat NWS. Once NWS was confirmed in Mexico, NCBA was in close contact with the Mexican cattle producer organization CNOG to ensure Mexico’s agriculture authorities were working to contain NWS. When facing an issue like NWS, the relationships NCBA has with government and cattle industry organizations is critical for providing a united front to combat this threat. For individual producers, vigilance is the top priority. NWS is attracted to open wounds, so immediately treating any wounds, sores or scratches can help reduce the risk of infestation. NWS often lays eggs in sensitive areas on cattle including the navel, vulva and perineum on cows or sheath or prepuce on bulls and steers. Inspecting these areas, along with branding sites, can help catch problems before they spread. As with many animal health concerns, biosecurity on the farm or ranch is another way to reduce risk. New cattle coming on to your operation should be initially quarantined separately from the rest of your herd, so if a problem arises, you can prevent it from spreading through your entire operation. Additionally, frequently cleaning clothing, boots, vehicles and equipment can help stop the spread of pests. To reduce the risk of wildlife transferring NWS to livestock, producers should also minimize wild animals’ access to feed bunks, water systems or other areas where cattle may congregate. Pets should also be frequently inspected for wounds and fly infestations. NCBA will continue working with USDA APHIS and congressional leaders to secure resources for combatting NWS. Together with NCBA advocating in Washington and producers vigilantly inspecting their cattle, we can protect the U.S. cattle herd from the threat of NWS. For all the latest information, please visit www.ncba.org/ NWS. For a brief overview of NWS, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/ sites/default/flies/new-world-screwworm-what-you-need-toknow-brochure.pdf. ~NC~ SYMPTOMS OF NWS INFESTATION • The presence of larvae in open wounds • A wound that rapidly enlarges for no apparent reason • Bloody or light-colored drainage coming from a wound • The presence of a white or cream-colored discharge (fly eggs) in and around a wound • Irritated behavior such as heard shaking or other signs of pain • Reduced appetite • Fever • Foul odor or the smell of decaying tissue If cattle exhibit any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Additionally, if you suspect an NWS infestation or spot any suspicious flies, you should report this to your state veterinarian and APHIS local veterinarian in charge. To reduce the risk of wildlife transferring New World screwworms to livestock, producers should also minimize wild animals’ access to feed bunks, water systems or other areas where cattle may congregate.
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