NCBA Continues to Support USDA New World Screwworm Prevention efforts

The New World screwworm remains a pressing threat to the livestock industry. National Cattlemen's Beef Association CEO, Colin Woodall shares details on new technologies being developed and what the USDA is doing to fight back.

“We have heard things such as modular approaches to building facilities that may not be able to produce as many flies as we need, but at least would be able to produce more flies to get out in the wild. We've heard about things like electronic beam and how electron beam might be able to be a safer way of sterilizing the flies compared to the nuclear radiation approach we're using today. And also what kind of role genetic engineering could play here, moving forward, the New World screwworm is one species that actually has had its entire genome mapped, so we know what each gene in that pest does, and that could go a long way, and also helping provide some opportunities.”

Woodall says the Secretary's commitment to advancing new technologies is encouraging and a reason for optimism. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency order to support the fight against the New World screwworm.

“The good news is the Food and Drug Administration did issue an emergency that allows some off-label use of products that we know are effective in treating New World screw worm. So that is also very helpful, and a lot of the animal health companies are also looking at some other products.”

NCBA’s, Colin Woodall.