Oklahoma prepares for potential spread of screwworm pest
By Patrick Talbot
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Oklahoma (KOCO) — Oklahoma officials say they are prepared to respond if the New World screwworm, recently confirmed in Texas, spreads to ranches in the state.
“Oklahoma has been preparing for an incursion for a very long time at this point, and we’re poised to respond should we see New World screwworm in Oklahoma,” veterinarian Rosslyn Biggs said.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the screwworm in a three-week-old calf in South Texas.
“It is simply an insect that lands in a wound and lays eggs that like to eat the flesh around the wound,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said.
Experts emphasized that the screwworm does not pose a threat to the nation’s food supply and is not a food safety concern.
“Animals, even should they become infested, once treated and recovered, can safely enter the food supply,” Biggs said.
Officials noted that the pest is most likely to spread when infested animals are moved.
“This fly typically moves great distances because humans move animals. These flies do not fly to new areas on their own,” Rollins said.
To prevent the spread of screwworm, officials are using the sterile-fly strategy that helped eliminate the pest from the United States decades ago.
Biggs explained what Oklahoma ranchers should watch for.
“They’re looking for potential wounds. They’re looking for maggots that may be in wounds,” Biggs said.
Experts also warned that screwworm infestations are not limited to livestock.
“We also want to make sure it’s clear that companion animals can be susceptible to infestation as well,” Biggs said.
Dr. Paul T. Cantey, of the CDC, added, “Although New World screwworm is primarily a pest of animals, it does affect humans as well.”
Biggs advised anyone who suspects an animal may be infested to seek professional help.
“We want them to go to their veterinarian. We want them to communicate with the state veterinarian’s office,” she said.
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