The newest and latest threat to Florida’s livestock, the cattle industry and essentially all warm-blooded animals in the state, the New World screwworm, was the topic of discussion for more than 80 local residents and state agriculture officials Thursday night.
In a meeting that lasted nearly three hours, residents and farmers listened to five speakers who told of the threat that the New World screwworm would potentially present to the state. The five speakers were Dr. Edwin Burgess, UF/IFAS veterinarian entomologist; Dr. Todd Thrift, UF/IFAS Extension Beef Specialist; Tom Bryant, local cattle owner; Dr. Mark Cunningham, FWC veterinarian; Dr. Tracie Daniels, a local veterinarian; and Mike Short, a Florida Department of Agriculture state veterinarian; on the latest details regarding the New World screwworm.
The New World screwworm has been a threat for warm climates for a few years, found in Central America, South America, and some Caribbean Islands. Recently, however, there have been 12 cases, one in New Mexico and 11 others in Texas, where the New World screwworm have been revealed.