LITTLE ROCK, AR (KATV) — Arkansas livestock organizations are urging producers to closely monitor their animals following confirmation of the first U.S. case of New World screwworm in years.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the flesh-eating parasite was found in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas.
Federal officials said it is the only confirmed case in the country so far, though ranchers and animal health experts are watching for any signs of additional spread.
U.S. Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas and U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania, who lead their respective agriculture committees, said the detection should not cause panic.
In a joint statement, they said USDA has spent more than a year working with federal, state and animal health partners to prepare for a potential domestic case and is now moving into a response phase focused on surveillance and containment.
Arkansas cattle industry leaders said they have been preparing for this possibility for months.
“We’ve been preparing for this outbreak for 18 months,” said Michelle Bufkin Horton, executive vice president of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association.
Horton said those efforts included coordination with USDA, state agriculture officials and animal health experts to develop response plans aimed at protecting livestock and slowing the parasite’s spread.
Arkansas producers are now being encouraged to increase surveillance of their herds, particularly watching for wounds, which can be entry points for the parasite.
“Maybe you check them every day, but not a real intense looking in their eyes or looking for wounds and things,” said Addie Stamps, director of commodity activities and economics for the Arkansas Farm Bureau. “Do those intense checks to make sure that you catch it early.”
Experts also recommend strengthening fly-control efforts and contacting a veterinarian if unusual symptoms appear.
“If you have something that looks unusual, go ahead and reach out to your veterinarian,” Horton said.
While federal and state officials continue monitoring the situation, industry groups emphasize there is no risk to the food supply.
“This remains an animal health issue, not a food safety issue,” Horton said.
“Continue buying beef,” Stamps said. “You’re safe. You’re good.”
Both organizations are encouraging producers to stay alert and follow updates from the USDA as surveillance efforts continue.
Congressional agriculture leaders said the United States has successfully eradicated New World screwworm before and expressed confidence it can be contained again.