Details are developing as K-State Research and Extension continues getting ranchers connected to information about New World screwworm.
A special webinar series began Tuesday with presentations by K-State Entomology Assistant Professor Dr Cassandra Olds and Kansas Department of Agriculture Assistant Animal Health Commissioner Dr Sara McReynolds. Upcoming dates are on the calendar for June 23 and June 30, with presenters and specific topics to be announced. Webinars start at noon and last about 90 minutes.
Screwworm has been a major concern for livestock producers because of its ability to turn open wounds or sores into life-threatening medical situations, but it is also a concern for pet owners for the same reason. Screwworm hadn’t been confirmed in the United States for around 60 years, but it returned to Texas and New Mexico earlier this month after moving north through Mexico for years. The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed 12 cases, with 11 of those cases in livestock — mostly cattle — and one in a dog.
The registration link for the K-State Extension webinar series is at agmanager.info. People with questions can email Rich Llewelyn at rvl@ksu.edu. The USDA’s information page is screwworm.gov.
