364 | What Every Dairy Producer Needs to Know About New World Screwworm
This episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast features entomologist Dr. Mike Catangui, Ph.D., with MWI Animal Health, who discusses the return of the New World screwworm and why dairy producers far from the southern border must be on alert. He explains how the pest was originally eradicated from the U.S. in the 1960s but has now been detected in Texas and New Mexico.
Dr. Catangui also notes that adult flies are harmless, but larvae hatch quickly after eggs are laid on wounds (especially calf navels) and feed on live flesh, potentially killing calves within days; bites from ticks and stable or horn flies can also attract egg-laying to any species, of any age.
Dr. Catangui reviews prior eradication using the USDA’s sterile insect technique, emphasizes vigilance, wound inspection, and fly control, and outlines available preventatives/curatives plus insecticide sprays/foggers and pet treatments from MWI. Suspected cases should be photographed and reported to a veterinarian due to mandatory reporting and existing infestation zones.
This episode is sponsored by MWI Animal Health
At MWI Animal Health, we are your partner in animal health. Our people drive us to think forward every day. We are committed to working with you to identify cutting-edge solutions to your common challenges. We unite with innovators and manufacturers to provide access to products and solutions designed to help you find success in each aspect of your animal health business. Visit www.MWIAH.com
00:59 What Screwworm Is
01:44 How Calves Get Hit
03:09 Eradication History
03:47 Dairy Risk Factors
05:38 Spread Via Movement
07:32 Climate And Vigilance
10:09 Fly Control Tools
11:35 Products For All Animals
12:26 USDA Response Plan
14:51 Suspected Case Steps
16:53 Key Takeaways
18:31 Fairs And Shows Advice
