It’s The Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff Tigger Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as we hear what we need to know and watch out for when it comes to New World Screwworm and what economically it could do if found in the country. Plus, the latest news, market reports, the ranch channel sales calendar and lots more all wrapped into this brand-new episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel.
Season 6, EPISODE 279What Is New World Screwworm?The New World screw worm (NWS) is the larval stage of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax. Unlike most fly maggots that feed on dead tissue, screw worm larvae feed on living tissue — making them especially dangerous to cattle and other livestock.
The adult fly lays eggs in open wounds, including:
Once hatched, larvae burrow into flesh in a screw-like motion — hence the name “screw worm.”
Why New World Screwworm Is A Major Threat To Cattle1. Rapid Tissue DestructionLarvae feed aggressively on living tissue, enlarging wounds quickly. Untreated infestations can lead to:
Death in severe cases
High Economic ImpactHistorically, screw worm outbreaks have cost the livestock industry billions in:
Treatment costs
The successful eradication program in the U.S. — led by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service — is considered one of the greatest livestock pest control achievements in history.
Signs Of Screwworm Infestation In CattleEarly detection is critical. Producers should watch for:
Infested cattle often isolate themselves and show signs of distress.
Treatment Protocol For Infected CattleIf screw worm is suspected:
Reporting is mandatory in many regions because screw worm is a regulated livestock pest.
Prevention Strategies For Cattle Producers1. Wound Management Best Practices* Avoid elective procedures during peak fly season * Use fly repellents and wound protectants * Monitor surgical sites daily
Monitor wildlife activity around pastures
Seasonal AwarenessScrew worm risk increases in:
Warm climates
New World Screwworm Information Guide: Click HERE
Featured Experts in the Cattle IndustryM.Wayne Ayers, DVM - Elanco Animal Health
https://farmanimal.elanco.com/us
Follow On Facebook: @ElancoUS
Kirk Donsbach – Financial Analyst at StoneX
https://www.stonex.com/
Follow on Facebook: @StoneXGroupInc
Shaye Wanner – Host of Casual Cattle Conversation
https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/
Follow on Facebook: @cattleconvos
Contact Us with Questions or ConcernsHave questions or feedback? Feel free to reach out via:
Catch all episodes of the Ranch It Up Podcast available on all major podcasting platforms.
Discover the Heart of Rural America with Tigger & BECRanching, farming, and the Western lifestyle are at the heart of everything we do. Tigger & BEC bring you exclusive insights from the world of working ranches, cattle farming, and sustainable beef production.
Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner (BEC) and their mission to promote the Western way of life at Tigger and BEC.
https://tiggerandbec.com/
Industry References, Partners and ResourcesFor additional information on industry trends, products, and services, check out these trusted resources:
Allied Genetic Resources: https://alliedgeneticresources.com/
American Gelbvieh Association: https://gelbvieh.org/
Axiota Animal Health: https://axiota.com/multimin-campaign-landing-page/
Imogene Ingredients: https://www.imogeneingredients.com/
Jorgensen Land & Cattle: https://jorgensenfarms.com/#/?ranchchannel=view
Medora Boot: https://medoraboot.com/
RFD-TV: https://www.rfdtv.com/
Rural Radio Network: https://www.ruralradio147.com/
Superior Livestock Auctions: https://superiorlivestock.com/
Transova Genetics: https://transova.com/
Westway Feed Products: https://westwayfeed.com/
Wrangler: https://www.wrangler.com/
Wulf Cattle: https://www.wulfcattle.com/