New World Screwworm Vigilance in Washington
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. Now that New World Screwworm has made its way across our southern border and infected cattle in Texas and New Mexico, the question is, should we need to be worried about it up here in the Pacific Northwest?
Pam Lewison, Ag Director at the Washington Policy Center, says yes, be aware …
LEWISON … “You know, I think it’s somewhat regional. We have actually more cross-border contact with Canada rather than the southern border. But I do think it is still something that we need to be vigilant about.”
And not, Lewison says just in cattle …
LEWISON … “It’s something to sort of keep an eye out also, you know, for pets, other livestock. It’s certainly something to be mindful of particularly if you’re traveling to the south or you know someone who’s been there.”
So, who can we contact if we have questions? …
LEWISON … “I think that honestly right now, the best resources for both consumers and producers is the Washington State Beef Commission which, by extension, would be the NCBA (National Cattleman’s Beef Association).”
Lewison says they’ve been preparing for this …
LEWISON … “They’ve got great resources available for both consumers and producers about what New World Screwworm is, what to look for, and a whole bunch of fact sheets around, you know, what to anticipate and how to be prepared and be vigilant about it.”
To learn more, go to www.wabeef.org or
www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/newsroom
