Texas livestock producers and animal owners will have several opportunities this month to learn more about the growing threat posed by the New World screwworm as the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service hosts educational meetings across the state.
The meetings are part of an ongoing effort to help ranchers, wildlife managers and animal owners identify, prevent and respond to infestations of the destructive pest. AgriLife Extension specialists will provide information on inspection, reporting and treatment methods.
Of particular interest to producers in De-Witt County and the surrounding area are two nearby meetings scheduled in South Texas.
The Karnes and Wilson Counties New World Screwworm Update will be held June 18 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Panna Maria Hall, 13912 Farm-to-Market Road 81 in Panna Maria. Admission is free, although there is a $20 fee for private applicator license holders seeking continuing education units.
A second regional meeting, the Goliad County Livestock Coalition New World Screwworm Update, is scheduled for June 25 at 6 p.m. at Weesatche Community Hall, 140 E. Farmto- Market Road 884 in Weesatche. Additional information is available from Brian Yanta at [email protected].
The educational out- reach comes as Texas agriculture officials continue preparing producers for the possible spread of New World screwworms into the state. The pest can infest livestock, wildlife and other warm-blooded animals by depositing eggs in open wounds. The larvae feed on living tissue and can cause severe injury or death if left untreated.
According to AgriLife Extension, the agency has conducted more than 316 screwworm- related educational events over the past year, reaching nearly 23,000 Texans. County agents and specialists have also logged more than 45,000 educational hours on the subject.
AgriLife Extension maintains an online resource hub with fact sheets, management guidance and updates related to New World screwworms at tx.ag/ screwworm.
For producers unable to attend a local meeting, additional educational programs are scheduled throughout June in communities across Texas.
