Fed agency braces for screwworm infestation

Today, 06:00 AM

TEMPLE, Texas — The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas is ready to support ranchers along the southern border with technical assistance and resources to reduce the risk of potential for New World Screwworm (NWS).

By integrating conservation practices and activities, NRCS can help to mitigate the infestation and spread of the NWS, while complementing and supporting APHIS’s regulatory and operational response “NRCS Texas will work closely with both producers and other government agencies to give a unified and diligent response to this concerning development. NRCS continues to be committed to Texas agriculture producers,” said Kristy Oates, NRCS Texas State conservationist.

Conservation Practices; Activities to Consider

Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activity Feral Swine Damage Assessment (Code 297). Manage and detect where feral swine are present, guiding NWS surveillance as feral swine are highly susceptible to NWS and they are a potential reservoir for NWS establishment and spread.

Access Control (Code 472). Controlling access for the purpose of excluding animals can reduce movement of infested animals, prevent exposure to highrisk areas, and limit contact with wildlife.

Animal Mortality Facility (Code 316). Appropriate handling and disposal of carcasses can reduce odors that attract flies and reduce larva development in animal tissue (although the NWS flies prefer live tissue). This will help disrupt the NWS fly production cycle but won’t necessarily prevent infestation in live animals.

Brush Management (Code 314). Cleaning and thinning brush enhancing vegetative cover and wildlife habitat can reduce habitat for flies by improving airflow and creating an environment unfavorable to flies.

Grazing Management (Code 528). Facilitate livestock movement and monitoring based on NWS response movement requirements, as part of an integrated plan to support continuity of business.

Livestock Shelter Structure (Code 576). Improve distribution of grazing animals to enhance wildlife habitat, reduce over-used areas, or correct other resource concerns resulting from improper animal distribution that would attract flies, provide breeding habitat, or encourage infestation. Pest Management Conservation System (Code 595). Monitoring and scouting pests to reduce injury to livestock.