Minnesota Veterinarian Urges Calm Response to New World Screwworm

(MNN)-A University of Minnesota livestock veterinarian is encouraging producers to stay informed but not overreact to recent New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico. Dr. Angie Varnum says the parasitic pest is an important concern nationally, but it does not pose an immediate threat to Minnesota’s beef, dairy, sheep, goat, swine, or horse industries. Varnum says producers should continue following established biosecurity measures, including obtaining certificates of veterinary inspection before moving animals across state lines. She says the greatest risk to northern states would come through animal transportation and travel, making routine health inspections the best defense.