Earlier this week, the USDA announced that there was an official detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the U.S. The pest was found in a three-week-old calf in South Texas. Since NWS is an indiscriminate parasite, all warm-blooded mammals are at risk of infestation if they have an open wound. That’s why the swine industry is remaining vigilant. Todd Marotz, vice president of the National Pork Producers Council, said they have been monitoring NWS since November of 2024.
Even though there are no reports of NWS infesting a swine herd, Marotz said the swine industry is still on high alert.
Marotz said minimizing the chances for livestock to develop open wounds is vital to keep NWS flies from laying their eggs.
For more information, visit nppc.org.
