State and federal agriculture authorities have identified three new cases of New World screwworm, including one in a calf in Hidalgo County, and one in a bull and one a ram in Doña Ana County.
Those cases bring New Mexico’s total tally to eight screwworm infestations since the parasitic fly, which has been largely eradicated from the U.S. for decades, crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in June. Six of the state’s cases are considered “active” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
State and federal officials have established an “infested zone” with a radius of at least 12.4 miles around each of the animals’ locations. Within these zones, animals must be inspected and, if necessary, treated before being moved in or out of the area.
Livestock authorities have also ramped up surveillance and fly-trapping around the affected areas to identify additional cases and determine whether the pest has spread.
“Every confirmed case helps us better understand where New World screwworm may be present and where additional surveillance is needed,” State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck with the New Mexico Livestock Board said in a statement in response to the new case in Hidalgo County.
She added, “Producers are an essential part of that effort. Checking animals regularly and reporting suspicious wounds quickly can make a meaningful difference in identifying infestations before they spread.”
The new cases come as the U.S. Department of Agriculture moves forward with a plan to reopen ports along the U.S.-Mexico border to livestock trade, after identifying dozens of New World screwworm infestations in Mexican border states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.
The port at Columbus, N.M., reopened for livestock crossings Monday. The Santa Teresa port — the border crossing in southern Doña Ana County that handles a significant chunk of all American cattle imports — reopened in September, with beefed-up animal inspection protocols.
The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association has urged caution amid the new cases of New World screwworm.
“These latest detections underscore the importance of all members of the public being alert for signs of screwworm in their pets, their livestock or even their children,” association President Tom Paterson said in a statement. “Everyone has a role in spotting a potential infestation and reporting it promptly.”
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture has advised owners to closely monitor their animals for wounds that fail to heal, worsening injuries, foul-smelling discharge or unusual irritation. Anyone who suspects an animal may have a New World screwworm infestation should contact the New Mexico Livestock Board and avoid moving the animal.
“Our best tool for early detection is our eyes,” Paterson said. “Take a close look at your animals and pay attention to wounds. Being alert and acting quickly can make a difference.”
Margaret O’Hara reports on issues affecting healthy communities in New Mexico. Her work is funded by a grant from Anchorum Health Foundation. Anchorum will not have any role in editorial decisions. The New Mexican and its Public Service Journalism Fund retain full editorial control. Philanthropically funded stories by The New Mexican are made available to all readers without a paywall.
