In an ongoing statewide effort to educate the public about New World screwworm, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a program on Sept. 14 in El Paso to inform the region’s residents about what to look for, how to report potential infestations and how to maintain external parasite control on livestock and pets.
In an ongoing effort to educate the public, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host an educational program on New World screwworm on Sept. 14 in El Paso. (Hannah Lang/Texas A&M AgriLife)
The event will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at El Paso, 1380 A&M Circle. There is no cost to attend, and light refreshments will be available.
New World screwworm education
Because the parasite presents serious risks to livestock, wildlife, companion animals and, in rare instances, humans, experts emphasize that Texas continues heightened awareness and coordinated response by state agency partners.
“AgriLife Extension is continuing to provide education on New World screwworm and how it impacts all facets of agriculture, wildlife, human health and companion animals,” said Sonja Swiger, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Stephenville and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Entomology. “This program will help individuals gain a better understanding of New World screwworm and emphasize that we are continuing to stress the importance of surveillance and reporting.”
Stay informed and prepared for New World screwworm
Explore fact sheets, reporting protocols and prevention tips from Texas A&M AgriLife experts.
Program topics and speakers:
New World screwworm update and impact on Texas, Swiger.
New World screwworm in livestock and agency update, Dustin Dorris, DVM, Texas Animal Health Commission region director, Stephenville.
New World screwworm public health considerations, Susan Schaff, DVM, MPH, Texas Department of State Health and Human Services regional zoonosis veterinarian, El Paso.
New World screwworm in wildlife and agency update, Lois Balin, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department urban wildlife biologist, El Paso.
The event is hosted by AgriLife Extension along with partnering agencies: Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas Department of State Health Services, and Texas Parks and Wildlife.
More information
For more information, contact the Texas A&M AgriLife center at El Paso at 915-859-9111. For fact sheets and other information about New World screwworm, visit the AgriLife Extension hub at tx.ag/Screwworm.
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