News & Press

USDA Confirms Presence of New World Screwworm in the United States

Thu, 4 Jun 2026 14:51:00 GMT

USDA Confirms Presence of New World Screwworm in the United States

Animal Health Officials Working Quickly to Protect U.S. Livestock and Wildlife

WASHINGTON, DC- JUNE 03, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, people and birds. NWS larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious damage to livestock and economic losses.

The affected animal is a 3-week-old calf and larvae were identified in its umbilical area. To date, there have been no further detections.

“All models showed New World Screwworm entering the country in 2025; however, thanks to the hard work across the entire Trump administration and our industry, state, and local partners, we were able to buy time for this moment. Protecting our livestock industry is a national security issue of the utmost importance, and USDA is wasting no time in taking action,” said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “USDA invested heavily in the tools needed to eliminate NWS ever since cases started increasing in Central America and Mexico. The United States has defeated this pest before, and we will do it again.”

USDA and Texas officials are taking immediate action to contain and eradicate NWS from the United States, following the strategies and actions outlined in the NWS Response Playbook. This includes:

Forming a unified Incident Command Team with the Texas Animal Health Commission and deploying response personnel to the area;
Establishing a 20 km infested zone around the detection and implementing quarantines, movement controls, and surveillance in this area;
Expediting targeted release of sterile NWS flies by immediately deploying ground release chambers in the area, in addition to the 4 million sterile flies per week already being released aerially in the area;
Increasing trapping for NWS flies along the border and just outside of the dispersal area;
Implementing NWS surveillance and management strategies in wildlife; and
Conducting targeted outreach in the local area.

Additionally, USDA’s National Veterinary Stockpile stands ready to assist, and will provide resources including treatments, equipment, and logistics support the response as needed.

USDA will continue to work with state departments of agriculture, animal health officials, industry, and producers to mitigate economic impacts of restrictions as much as possible, including negotiating with our trading partners to regionalize any trade restrictions on live animals, limiting them to defined geographic areas.

NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including in rare cases people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh.

USDA urges residents in the area to check their pets and livestock for signs of NWS. Look for draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for screwworm larvae (maggots) and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia or the navel of newborn animals. If you suspect your animal is infected with screwworm, contact your state animal health official or USDA area veterinarian in charge immediately.

While not common in people, if you notice a suspicious lesion on your body or suspect you may have contracted screwworm, seek immediate medical attention.

The U.S. food supply is safe. Screwworms do not infest meat, fruits, vegetables, or other food sources. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe and properly labeled. Under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), FSIS inspection personnel must inspect all eligible animal species unless they are exempt or covered by a state inspection program.

Any evidence of screwworm infestation in an animal would be identified during these inspections, and any contaminated product from an affected animal would not be allowed to enter the food supply.

For more than a year, USDA has led a unified response to NWS. As the lead coordinating agency, USDA has deployed advanced surveillance systems and supported robust cross-border response efforts in Mexico and Central America to combat the pest and push NWS away from the United States. These efforts have bought time for USDA to increase domestic preparedness efforts.

Learn more about New World screwworm at Screwworm.gov.

New Inductees into the MVMF Veterinary Honor Roll

Fri, 1 May 2026 19:14:00 GMT

On April 25, 2026 the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation inducted two Veterinarians into the MVMF Veterinary Honor Roll. The induction occurred in Jefferson City, MO at the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation Museum. These two individuals have a decorated history with the MVMA and make their passion for the Veterinary Medical field through their involvement with the association, at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, and through their patients.

Congratulations to John Richard Dodam, DVM, MS, PhD, and Dr. Mel Falk. For more information on the inductees, view their biographies below.

New World Screwworm: Information for Veterinarians

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:22:00 GMT

For a full guide on all things New World Screw Worm:

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/new-world-screwworm-information-veterinarians

FDA grants emergency use authorization for spray to prevent, treat screwworm

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:56:00 GMT

** As of March 27, 2026 at 9:57am when this news item is being posted, there have been NO CONFIRMED New World Screwworm cases in the United States. Check this link for current updates on NWS from the USDA > CLICK HERE

FDA grants emergency use authorization for spray to prevent, treat screwworm

Published on March 23, 2026

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization (EAU) for New World screwworm (NWS). The EUA is for a topical spray for use in various species.

The March 10 EUA is for the F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide (benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide, and cypermethrin topical solution) for the prevention and treatment of NWS infestations in cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and wild and pet birds, as well as captive wild, exotic, and zoo mammals. It is not for use in dogs or cats.

Extralabel drug use (ELDU) is not allowed for this EUA because the prior legally marketed drug was added to the Index of Legally Marketed Unapproved New Animal Drugs for Minor Species, meaning the product has not been approved by the FDA and, thus, ELDU is not permitted.

The ectoparasiticide and antiseptic topical spray is available over the counter. The topical spray comes in 3.5 and 16.9 fl oz bottles containing the active ingredients benzalkonium chloride 0.405 g/100 mL, polyhexanide 0.03 g/100 mL, and cypermethrin 0.25 g/100 g.

The directions on FDA's fact sheet say the spray may be applied up to five times per animal with multiple wounds—one to two sprays per wound. For full coverage, the product should be sprayed 4 to 8 inches away from the wound. The dose may be repeated once a week if necessary or as advised by a veterinarian.

The FDA advises using disposable gloves during application and washing hands after using the spray. Also, it should only be sprayed in well-ventilated areas. The spray is water soluble and must be reapplied if the animal is exposed to rain or bathed.

The FDA said the EUA is based on the scientific evidence available in the FDA's Freedom of Information Summary. The agency "evaluated relevant human food safety information and concluded that the food products obtained from treated animals are safe for human consumption when the terms and conditions of use granted by the EUA are followed, including the withdrawal period and milk discard time."

Treated cattle, goats, and sheep must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 30 days of treatment, according to the agency. The same goes for nondomesticated minor species of hoofstock, such as deer, elk, and antelope.

Meanwhile, milk from cows, goats, or sheep during treatment and for 10 days following treatment must not be used for human consumption. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in preruminating calves, and treated calves and calves born to treated cows must not be processed for veal. It is not for use in food-producing species that have not been assigned a withdrawal period.

The product is sponsored by Health and Hygiene, based in South Africa. In 2015, the FDA indexed the spray under the Minor Use Minor Species Animal Health Act framework for use as a topical antiseptic for surface wounds to repel flies and treat infestations due to fly strike in raptors, pet birds, captive small mammals, captive reptiles, and captive exotic, zoo mammals.

This marks the sixth EUA in the fight against NWS since November, when the agency first invoked its emergency authority for an animal drug to prevent or treat NWS in cattle, dogs, and cats. The topical spray is the first FDA-authorized product for NWS indications in additional species.

"Most animals in America are at low risk of NWS due to their geographic location; however, animals near the U.S.-Mexico border and those that have been in countries with active NWS cases are more likely to be exposed to NWS," according to the FDA.

As of March 10, Mexico had recorded 17,251 cases of NWS in animals, according to Mexican government data, of those, 1,064 were active. Among these cases, 621 were in cattle, 219 in dogs, and 115 in pigs, with cases in other species such as horses, cats, and birds, plus three

Now Available: No-Cost RFID Eartags for Swine!

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 22:02:00 GMT

Now Available: No-Cost RFID Eartags for Swine!

Swine producers and State animal health officials can now order RFID (radio frequency identification) eartags at www.840swinetags.com—at no cost! Tags are shipped directly from Merck Animal Health to your premises—no middle step, no delay.

Producers:

Have a valid premises ID?
Know your sow or show pig count?

State Animal Health Officials:

Know the number of sows in your State?

You're ready to order!

Order Tags Now

About the Swine Identification Initiative

Originally announced in August 2025, this initiative—modeled after the successful no-cost RFID cattle tag program—aims to strengthen national swine disease traceability. While traceability does not prevent disease, it significantly reduces the time needed to respond to outbreaks, helping to limit the number of affected farms and animals. This, in turn, minimizes economic impacts on producers and their communities.

To place an order, producers must have a valid premises identification number and provide shipping and contact information. They must also report the number of sows onsite (for commercial sow farms) or the number of show pigs (for exhibition swine). State animal health officials may order tags based on the number of sows in their State.

Note: RFID tags must be applied using a compatible tag applicator, which is not provided through this program.

For full program details—including eligibility, ordering instructions, and tag quantity guidelines—visit Swine Identification.

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USDA Announces Completion of Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility in Texas

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:07:00 GMT

Facility will increase range of sterile fly release and bolster preparedness for New World Screwworm

Edinburg, TX, February 9, 2026—Today at Moore Air Base, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Governor of Texas Greg Abbott celebrated a significant achievement in the fight against New World Screwworm (NWS) with the completion of a U.S.-based sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas. This facility expands USDA’s ability to disperse sterile flies along the border and into the United States, if necessary.

"The Trump Administration continues to bring the full force of the federal government to fight New World Screwworm,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This sterile fly dispersal facility was a high priority project, and our team delivered it in record time. This new facility is a monumental achievement for our domestic preparedness efforts, but we are also diligently working to stop the spread of screwworm in Mexico, conduct extensive trapping and surveillance along the border, increase U.S. response capacity, and encourage innovative solutions. We will never stop fighting to protect American agriculture. USDA, through a whole-of-government approach, will continue to hold Mexico accountable to mitigating the spread of this dangerous pest."

“America is going to take care of ourselves, including dealing with the approach of screwworm as it gets closer to our border,” said Governor Abbott. “We put together the resources necessary for Texas to provide a Texas-size response to this. We thank Secretary Rollins and President Trump for stepping forward to provide the stop gap effort essential to protecting our ranchers and our wildlife.”

Trump Administration NWS Response

In June 2025, Secretary Rollins announced a sweeping five-pronged plan (PDF, 1005 KB) to enhance USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate NWS. As part of that announcement, she also shared plans to build this sterile NWS fly dispersal facility in South Texas. The completion of the facility further expands the network of dispersal facilities through Central America and Mexico and solidifies the increased preparedness offered by having a U.S.-based facility.

On January 30, USDA announced a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. While the sterile flies for this effort will initially be dispersed from the Tampico, Mexico facility, USDA is prepared to quickly and strategically shift operations to the new Texas facility should there be a change in the location or new concentration of NWS cases in northern Mexico.

About Sterile Fly

Sterile insect technique, when paired with surveillance, animal movement restrictions, and education and outreach, is a proven and effective tool for controlling and eradicating NWS. Female NWS flies only mate once in their lives, so if they mate with a sterile male, they lay unfertilized eggs that don’t hatch. Releasing sterile flies just outside of affected areas helps ensure flies traveling to new areas will only encounter sterile mates and will not be able to reproduce.

Sterile insects are dispersed through aerial dispersal or ground release. Aerial operations are preferred because they allow for dispersal at a steady rate through a large area and also because sterile insects may be dispersed in areas that are unreachable from the ground. Ground release is used when there is a need to quickly deploy sterile insects outside of the dispersal facility range. Mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile flies remain critical components of an effective response.

USDA currently produces sterile flies for dispersal at the COPEG facility in Panama. USDA is also investing $21 million to support Mexico’s renovation of an existing fruit fly facility in Metapa—which will double NWS production capacity once complete. With ongoing support from technical experts in USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Mexico anticipates this sterile fly production to begin as soon as summer 2026.

To continue to expand USDA’s domestic response capacity, the Department is building a sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas, with a targeted maximum capacity of 300 million sterile flies per week. USDA expects to break ground on that facility later this spring. With existing and planned production facilities fully operational, USDA will have up to 500 million sterile files per week in its arsenal to fight this pest all the way back to the Darién Gap. The international network of facilities will produce 100 million sterile flies per week at COPEG in Panama, 100 million at Metapa in Mexico, and 300 million at Moore Air Base.

What You Can Do

Even though there have been no detections of NWS inside the U.S. and the northernmost active case of NWS is still about 200 miles away from the border, USDA is asking Americans to continue to remain vigilant by checking their livestock and pets for signs of NWS. Look for draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for NWS larvae (maggots) and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia or the navel of newborn animals. If you suspect your animal is infested with NWS, immediately report it to your state animal health official or USDA area veterinarian in charge.

NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh. While not common in people, if you notice a suspicious lesion on your body or suspect you may have contracted NWS, seek immediate medical attention.

Learn more about NWS and USDA’s efforts, visit Screwworm.gov.

Boehringer Ingelheim Voluntary Rabies Vaccine Recall

Mon, 9 Feb 2026 18:44:00 GMT


	Boehringer Ingelheim has initiated a voluntary recall of IMRAB® 3TF, 1 mL, Serial 18665 after a limited number of vials in this lot were found to contain sterile water instead of vaccine. Boehringer is recommending revaccination for any dog, cat, or ferret that received a vaccine from this serial to avoid gaps in protection, maintain compliance with local rabies regulations, and protect public health. A second dose of rabies vaccination does not pose a health risk for the pet beyond the typical considerations associated with any vaccination. Boehringer is directly contacting clinics that received vaccine from this lot to provide replacement vaccine and support revaccination. Veterinarians seeking additional guidance may contact their Boehringer representative or Boehringer's Veterinary Technical Solutions team at 1‑888‑637‑4251.

January 13, 2026: Opening of Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP) FY 2026 Notice of Funding Oppo

Tue, 3 Feb 2026 20:19:00 GMT

Dear MVMA Members:

We wanted to update you and summarize Communication from USDA:

January 13, 2026: Opening of Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP) FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP) announces the opening of the fiscal year (FY) 2026 application cycle. There is an ongoing high demand for food animal veterinarians in both private and public practice, particularly in rural communities in the United States as highlighted in the recent USDA Rural Veterinary Action plan.NIFA anticipates that approximately $3.8 million in funding will be available in FY 2026 to help fund food animal veterinary service areas in the United States.

The goals of the VSGP are to support food animal veterinary medicine through Education, Extension, and Training (EET) funds for accredited schools and organizations and through Rural Practice Enhancement (RPE) funds for veterinary clinics that provide services in areas deemed high demand priorities.

VSGP increased the maximum award amount for RPE awards to $200,000 and EET awards to $300,000.

The 2026 Veterinary Elevated Demand Situation areas are published here:

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/vmlrp-map

Active VMLRP awardees can apply to the VSGP-RPE program using the area they are currently serving.

The VSGP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is now available. The deadline for VSGP applications is Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST.

We will send out a separate announcement when the Technical Assistance webinar for this NOFO is scheduled. This information will also be posted to the VSGP Notice of Funding Opportunity page and the NIFA Events page.

Questions about the VSGP application process may be sent by email to VSGP@USDA.gov.

Now Available: No-Cost RFID Eartags for Swine!

Tue, 9 Dec 2025 19:00:00 GMT

Now Available: No-Cost RFID Eartags for Swine!

Producers:

Have a valid premises ID?
Know your sow or show pig count?

State Animal Health Officials:

Know the number of sows in your State?

You're ready to order!

Order Tags Now

About the Swine Identification Initiative

Note: RFID tags must be applied using a compatible tag applicator, which is not provided through this program.

For full program details—including eligibility, ordering instructions, and tag quantity guidelines—visit Swine Identification.

AAEP/EDCC Presents: EHV-1 Updates

Mon, 1 Dec 2025 18:36:00 GMT

AAEP/EDCC Presents: EHV-1 Updates

Here is an on-demand webinar available for anyone to watch that covers updates and the current state of the EHV-1 Outbreak along with other information that may be needed. Follow the link below to watch the webinar. This webinar is for informational purposes and not for MOVMA CE.

Webinar Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XzuuYmIEQY

Dog with Rabies Found in Missouri, First Case Since 2018

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:11:00 GMT

Dog with rabies found in Missouri, first case since 2018

By: Bailey Strohl – November 21, 2025

The first rabies case in a dog in nearly 7 years in Missouri was recently confirmed in mid-November.

According to the McDonald County Health Department, lab testing from the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory confirmed a dog had recently been exposed to rabies.

Health officials took to social media on November 12, 2025, to inform residents that the dog was then euthanized at a veterinary clinic in Newton County.

The health department stated the dog was likely exposed in the northwest area of McDonald County, possibly from an exposure to a skunk.

The confirmation marks the first case of rabies in a dog in Missouri in nearly 7 years, according to data made available by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

The DHSS Statewide Rabies Testing Dashboard shows the dog in Johnson County was confirmed to have rabies in 2018, out of 576 dogs tested.

In 2017, tests confirmed two dogs had been exposed out of 554 dogs tested. The exposures were in Dent County and Howell County, Missouri.

There was also one case confirmed in a dog in Missouri in 2016, as well as one cat in Cass County, and one cow in Shannon County.

In 2025, one rabies exposure in a cat was confirmed in Missouri in Howell County.

One cat case was confirmed in Wright County in 2024, two in 2022 in Greene County and Jefferson County, and one in Howell County in 2018.

The dashboard shows bats, cats, cows, dogs, foxes, horses, raccoons, rodents, rabbits, skunks and other domestic and wild animals are often tested for rabies in Missouri.

As of the latest update on the dashboard in 2025, a total of 2,076 rabies tests had been conducted on several different animals in the state, resulting in 31 confirmed cases of rabies, including 24 bats and 5 skunks in addition to the one cat and one dog.

In the last ten years, Missouri has averaged about 24 cases of rabies per year among animals.

You can find updated information on rabies on the Missouri DHSS website and the Statewide Rabies Dashboard.

The McDonald County Health Department posted the following facts about rabies:

90% of rabies cases occur in wildlife (bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes).
Incubation in pets is typically 3 to 12 weeks.
Early signs are sudden behavioral changes and unexplained progressive paralysis.
Later stage signs are aggression, biting, paralysis, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing.

The department also provided these tips for people to protect their animals and family:

Keep domestic animals vaccinated.
Avoid contact with wild animals.
Report suspicious animal behavior to local authorities

Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) Outbreak Web Page

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 22:38:00 GMT

The EDCC has a webpage focused on the update of the EHM outbreak. View the webpage for current updates. View Webpage

The EDCC reports cases of infectious disease submitted by veterinarians and state animal health officials. If you are a veterinarian with a confirmed or suspected EHM case, please submit a report at to the EDCC at: https://equinediseasecc.org/forms/report-outbreak

For accurate and reliable information regarding the clinical signs and transmission of EHV-1, visit the EDCC: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus

For veterinarians seeking guidance on disease management, see the following: https://aaep.org/resource/aaep-infectious-disease-guidelines-equine-herpesvirus-1-4/

APHIS Launches Central NWS Website

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 22:36:00 GMT

USDA Launches Screwworm.gov, Centralizing New World Screwworm Information Across the Federal Government

(Washington, D.C., November 21, 2025) – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is excited to highlight the launch of the NEW Unified New World screwworm (NWS) website, screwworm.gov. This dynamic new site centralizes NWS information available across the federal government and reflects our whole-of-government effort to fight this pest through implementation of Secretary Rollins’ comprehensive five-pronged plan.

“The Trump Administration is leading a whole of government effort to protect our nation’s cattle industry from the New World Screwworm. To ensure timely and effective communications, this new unified website will be a one stop shop for all screwworm related information and will help our stakeholders be better informed as new information comes available,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “We are grateful for the robust interagency collaboration, and we continue to work every day with our state and industry partners to implement our screwworm plan. This is a national security priority and it has the full attention of our team.”

Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public. It also has the latest USDA-verified information on cases and response activities in Mexico and U.S. preparedness efforts.

Under the decisive leadership of Secretary Rollins, USDA is leading an aggressive, whole-of-government response to protect the Nation’s livestock, wildlife, and public health from NWS. The U.S. One Health Coordination Unit for NWS, co-led by USDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of the Interior, is actively working to ensure the United States is prepared, should NWS be detected here.

Screwworm.gov includes information from these partner agencies as well as the following collaborating agencies: the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of State.

This new site was built with customers in mind and will help all visitors to the Screwworm.gov website, whether they are protecting their herds, traveling internationally with or without pets, endorsing health certificates, conducting research, seeking answers to questions, or looking for other ways to help. USDA will continue to work with our partners to update and enhance this site to ensure it has the latest information and updates.

Visit Screwworm.gov today!

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EHV/EHM Update from AAEP

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 21:49:00 GMT

As you may be aware, an outbreak of EHM originated at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event Nov. 5-9 in Waco, Texas.

According to the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC), officially confirmed EHM cases have been reported to date in the following states:

Texas – 7

Oklahoma – 3

Louisiana – 3

Colorado – 1

New Mexico – 1

Additionally, one EHV-1 case with no neurologic signs has been confirmed in Oklahoma.

If you’re not already familiar with the alerts and EHV/EHM resources provided by the EDCC as well as the AAEP, we want to share several helpful links for use in your practice.

Furthermore, the AAEP and EDCC are in the process of organizing a Horse Owner Education webinar to help educate the public on the current outbreak. This webinar will take place on Nov. 25 at 8 PM ET. Please stay tuned as more details will be shared upon confirmation.

EDCC

AAEP

The AAEP and EDCC will continue to share all relevant information about this outbreak. Please follow us on social media and stay tuned for more information in your inbox.

Thank you to everyone treating the horses affected by the outbreak and to our animal health officials who are managing the cases in each area.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tracy Turner
2025 AAEP President

USDA Conducts National Study of Small Enterprise Poultry Operations

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 19:40:00 GMT

USDA Conducts National Study of Small Enterprise Poultry Operations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), in collaboration with the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), is conducting a comprehensive national study of the small enterprise poultry industry in the United States.

This study will provide an in-depth look at small enterprise poultry operations, offering new and valuable insights into management and biosecurity practices across this vital segment of the U.S. poultry industry. The findings will help inform producers, policymakers, and animal health professionals, contributing to improved animal health strategies and more resilient poultry systems.

The study consists of one survey that will go out to about 5,000 small enterprise poultry operations nationwide. The survey can be completed by paper, web, or telephone. Selected participants will include U.S. poultry operations with 300 to 74,999 table egg layer inventory; 300 to 199,999 broilers sold or moved annually; or 300 to 59,999 meat turkeys sold or moved annually. Participation is voluntary.

“Small enterprise poultry operations play a critical role in local food systems and rural economies. Your participation in this study is essential to help us better understand your unique challenges,” said Victoria Fields, the NAHMS poultry study lead. “The information you provide is not only vital to the success of this study—it is also strictly confidential. No data will be reported in any way that could identify individual participants. This is your chance to be heard, and we hope you participate.”

Producers who participate in the study will benefit by receiving detailed reports and information sheets that will enable all participants to compare their operations with other operations.

Both participants and the poultry industry will benefit from the following:

Benchmark data on important small enterprise poultry health management and biosecurity practices
Improved understanding of disease preparedness on small enterprise poultry operations
Collection of data that policymakers and industry stakeholders can use to respond to the needs of small enterprise poultry producers
Identification of educational needs and opportunities related to poultry health management and biosecurity practices
Collection of information that researchers can use in grant applications to support research for important disease or management concerns

For more information about the study, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/nahms/poultry.

Understanding the Recent Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) Outbreak

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 21:44:00 GMT

Mizzou equine internal medicine clinicians share what horse owners need to know about the recent EHV outbreaks in the United States.

Published on Nov. 20, 2025

Contact: Deidra Ashley, CVMMarCom@missouro.edu

As new cases of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1 and EHV-4) and Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) are confirmed in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, horse owners across the region are seeking clear, practical guidance. The University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine has not identified any cases of EHV at this time, and the Veterinary Health Center continues its standard biosecurity protocol, including temperature checks on every horse prior to entry.

To help owners and the public understand the evolving situation and reduce spread, Mizzou’s equine internal medicine veterinarians break down the essential facts and the most effective steps horse owners can take right now.

What do horse owners need to know about the current EHV situation?

A horse virus outbreak has been confirmed to have begun at a Waco, Texas, barrel racing event. As of Thursday, Nov. 20, multiple states have reported EHV-1/EHM cases including Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

Because exposed horses might not show clinical signs immediately, more cases are likely over the next two weeks as testing continues nationwide.

“One of the most important things owners can do right now is stay alert to even subtle changes in their horses. Early signs like a mild fever or nasal discharge might not seem alarming on their own, but they can be the first indicators of EHV exposure. Catching those signs early gives your veterinarian the best chance to intervene and limit the risk to other horses on the property.” — Lynn M. Martin, DVM, MPH, DACVIM (LAIM)

What symptoms should owners monitor?

EHV-1 and EHV-4 commonly cause fever and upper respiratory signs, but in some horses EHV-1 progresses to EHM, a neurological form of the disease.

Watch for:

Fever > 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nasal discharge.
Hindlimb weakness or stumbling.
Difficulty urinating or defecating.
Loss of tail tone (“dead tail”).
Dog-sitting posture or ataxia (drunken or wobbly gait).

What should exposed horses do right now?

Any horse that attended the Waco event or any venue with known EHV-1/EHM cases should enter strict quarantine.

Isolation guidelines:

Keep returning horses at least 30 feet from all others.
Groups that traveled together can be quarantined as a cluster.
No nose-to-nose contact.
Do not share buckets, tack, pitchforks, halters, lead ropes or equipment.
Check rectal temperatures twice daily.
Caretakers should change clothes between groups or wear disposable PPE (gloves, shoe covers).

“For horses returning from affected events, twice-daily temperature checks are one of the most reliable tools we have. Fever often appears before any neurological signs, so identifying that change early allows owners and veterinarians to act quickly and safely. With EHV, time matters. The sooner a fever or behavior change is recognized, the sooner we can intervene and help protect the rest of the herd.” — Hannah R. Leventhal, DVM, MS, DACVIM (LAIM)

How should equipment and trailers be disinfected?

Remove all visible organic material first (bedding, manure, debris), then apply a 1:10 bleach solution (five tablespoons bleach per gallon of water). Allow surfaces to fully dry before rinsing.

Other effective disinfectants include:

Quaternary ammonium compounds.
Accelerated peroxide products.
Peroxygen compounds.
Iodophors.

Always follow label contact times for proper disinfection.

How does testing work, and where can Missouri veterinarians submit samples?

Because timing matters, most veterinarians use a combination of nasal swabs and whole blood to catch the virus at different stages. Testing is available in-state through Mizzou’s Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL).

Key points for owners and veterinarians:

Best samples: A nasal swab often detects virus early, while blood can remain positive longer into infection.
Testing after known exposure: Some veterinarians recommend testing around days 2 and 10, or between days 10–14, to give owners a clearer sense of whether infection is developing.
Testing is not a substitute for quarantine. Horses should continue to follow state veterinary guidance on isolation even if early results are negative.

“Because EHV can be detected at different points in the infection process, using both a nasal swab and whole blood offers the best chance of identifying the virus. Nasal shedding tends to happen early, while the virus can remain detectable in blood for a longer period. Our goal at VMDL is to provide fast, reliable testing so veterinarians can make informed decisions for their patients.” — Shuping Zhang, PhD, DACVM

What happens if a horse tests positive?

Most EHV-1/EHM–positive horses can be safely managed on-farm as long as they remain standing, ambulatory and able to eat, drink, urinate and defecate normally. In these cases, veterinarians can provide supportive care and monitor for changes. Mizzou’s equine internal medicine clinicians are available to support referring veterinarians with treatment guidance, biosecurity recommendations and testing through the VMDL.

If a horse becomes recumbent (unable to stand or rise), it requires referral to a facility with specialized isolation and intensive care capabilities. At this time, the Veterinary Health Center is not receiving suspect EHV-positive horses, but our clinicians are available to consult with referring veterinarians and help identify appropriate care options.

EHM can be severe, and while the mortality rate can be high (up to 75%), some horses do recover with prolonged, intensive care. Rehabilitation may take weeks to months.

EHV-1/EHM is a reportable disease, meaning veterinarians must notify the state veterinarian’s office when a case is confirmed, and positive horses must remain in strict isolation following state guidelines.

When can horses be released from quarantine?

Release depends on testing and exposure timeline:

14 days after last known exposure + negative test.
21 days of isolation if no testing is performed.

Owners should stay in close contact with their veterinarian, as state guidance might evolve as the outbreak develops.

Should owners vaccinate their horses?

It is not recommended to vaccinate exposed horses during an outbreak.
Non-exposed horses should receive an EHV-1 booster if they have not been vaccinated within the past three months.

“If a horse was potentially exposed, vaccinating now can cause more confusion than clarity because it can interfere with how the immune system responds during the early stages of infection. For healthy horses with no known exposure, a booster is still a smart step in lowering risk.” — Kile S. Townsend, DVM, MS, FHEA, DACVIM (LAIM)

Mizzou’s biosecurity status

The Mizzou Veterinary Health Center has had zero EHV cases to date. Our standard biosecurity practices remain in place, including mandatory temperature checks for all horses entering the facility.

Owners with questions can call the Equine Hospital at 573-882-3513.

Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 Outbreak in Nearby States

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:36:00 GMT

For Immediate Release:November 20, 2025

Media Contact:Christi Miller,
christi.miller@mda.mo.gov, (573) 751-4211

Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 Outbreak in Nearby States

Horses at recent events in Texas and Oklahoma should be closely monitored.

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) –Multiple cases of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic form of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EVH-1), have been confirmed inTexasandOklahomafollowing equine events in these states. Currently, there are no confirmed cases in Missouri.

The first cases were confirmed in horses that attended an equine event in Waco, Tx., Nov. 5 - 9. Two additional cases were confirmed in horses that attended a barrel racing event in Guthrie, Ok., earlier this week. Owners of horses at either event should consult with their veterinarian, as well as isolate and quarantine the horses for at least 14 days.

“Missouri owners or trainers of horses at either of these events should closely monitor their horses for at least 14 days from last exposure, monitor temperature twice daily and isolate them from other horses” saidMissouri State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg. “EHV-1 is highly contagious in equine and can spread very quickly.”

EHV-1 is spread directly through nose-to-nose contact and infected animals can release particles when they cough or sneeze. Indirect transmission is also possible through shared water or feed buckets, tack and travel in the same trailer.

Horse owners should increase biosecurity measures and monitor their horses for symptoms, including fever, nasal discharge and cough, stumbling, hind end weakness or any neurological issues. If you notice any symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Cases that show neurological issues are considered a medical emergency.

There is no risk to humans from EVH-1 or EHM.

For more information about Equine Herpesvirus Type 1, visit theUSDAequine herpesvirus website.

For more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the Department online atAgriculture.Mo.Gov.

MSU board plans to repair 2 residence halls, create space for a new program

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 19:59:00 GMT

MSU board plans to repair 2 residence halls, create space for a new program

By: Claudette Riley – November 18, 2025

Repairs to two residence halls in Springfield and a renovation to an academic building in West Plains will go before the governing board of Missouri State University this week.

The MSU Board of Governors will be asked to approve $1.5 million in repairs to the Blair-Shannon House and Freudenberger House along with $875,000 in renovations to Drago Hall.

The executive committee of the board, which includes all members, will meet online at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. The meeting is open to the public.

For the Springfield campus projects, the university will recommend the board award a $1.3 million contract to MTS Contracting to repair the exterior ledges at Blair-Shannon and Freudenberger.

The amount represents the bulk of the $1.5 million project.

If approved, the company will repair cracking and spalling along the exterior slab extensions at Blair-Shannon and Freudenberger by removing the existing sealant and installing an elastomeric coating. The project also involves repair stucco on the west face of Shannon Tower.

The project, expected to be complete by summer 2026, will be paid for from the residence halls' repair budgets.

For the West Plains project, the board will be asked to award a contract for $688,750 to John Adams Construction Company to renovate Drago Hall in West Plains.

Drago Hall has housed space for art classes and a police substation.

The contract represents the bulk of the $875,000 project to renovate 1,600 square feet of interior space for a new veterinary technician and veterinary assistant program.

To accomplish that, the interior will be demolished to create a lab area and designated space for surgery, radiology, kennels, storage and grooming. It will also include a restroom and storage.

The project, expected to be complete during the spring 2026 semester, will included upgrades to the water and electrical services due to expected utility usage. It will be paid for by the program budget funded by the MoExcels Workforce Initiative and university funds.

During the meeting, the board will also be asked to approve air charter service for the basketball season and stop-loss coverage for its employee group medical plan.

Kehoe to unveil plan to phase out Missouri's income tax

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 19:25:00 GMT

Kehoe to unveil plan to phase out Missouri's income tax

Kurt Erickson | Post-Dispatch 6 hrs ago

JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Mike Kehoe said Tuesday he is laying the groundwork to ask Missouri voters to begin phasing out the state’s individual income tax next year.

One year after winning the race for governor on a campaign pledge to slash taxes, the Republican told the Post-Dispatch his latest plan will be unveiled when lawmakers begin filing new legislation next month in anticipation of the start of the legislative session in January.

“Missourians will have to decide if they think it is right for them and their families. All we want to do is give people a chance to take a look at that,” the governor said following a Veterans Day ceremony at the Capitol.

The governor offered no specifics about his plan, but said it revolves around offsetting the $10 billion generated by the state’s 4.7% income tax rate, which represents about 63% of the state’s general revenue.

“We’re looking at what other revenue streams we can use that make sense, that is not burdensome on Missourians, but ends up putting more money in their pocket by letting them keep their income tax,” Kehoe said. “When we do, it will make sense to everybody.”

Sales and use taxes currently comprise about 24% of the state’s revenue, while corporate taxes bring in another 6.6%. A range of other taxes tally up another 6%.

Kehoe’s comments align with other top Republicans heading into the start of the legislative session.

Speaking to former House Speaker Elijah Haahr on Springfield radio station KWTO Monday, House Majority Leader Alex Riley said an income tax cut plan under development will be phased in within a decade and will not send the state over a fiscal cliff.

“Everything is starting to come together. There’s a lot of energy behind it,” said Riley, R-Springfield. “I think that momentum is going to reach a real critical level.”

A GOP-led initiative to phase out the state’s income tax has been discussed for years, but has not moved forward because of concerns it could result in severe cuts to state programs.

Democrats last year pointed to the possibility of lower funding for schools, roads and public safety as a reason not to support the plan. They added that low salaries in state government have left thousands of positions unfilled.

Previous plans to cut the income tax have relied on increases in service taxes, such as real estate transactions or haircuts, running into opposition from businesses that provide those services.

Lawmakers enacted an income tax cut in 2014, over the veto of then-Gov. Jay Nixon, allowing the tax rate to fall from 6% to its current level. Two additional tax cuts, to a 4.5% rate, will take effect if general revenue growth hits targets.

In his first budget speech last January, Kehoe touted an income tax cut plan, but the measure did not advance in the Republican-controlled General Assembly.

Instead, lawmakers sent Kehoe a $420 million plan to eliminate the state’s capital gains tax, which is a levy on profits made from selling assets, such as stocks and real estate.

The loss of that revenue already is being felt across state government after Kehoe withheld more than $500 million in spending in July to account for a possible reduction of funds. Combined with a dwindling budget surplus and a massive drop in federal aid under President Donald Trump, budget watchers are predicting lean times ahead.

Kehoe on Tuesday acknowledged the effort could demand much of the Legislature’s attention next year.

“We will spend a lot of time talking about that,” the governor said.

Riley said he believes the GOP-controlled House will sign off on a tax cut. He is not sure how it will fare in the more deliberative 34-member Senate, which is controlled by 24 Republicans. Eighteen “yes” votes in the Senate would be needed to place a tax cut on the ballot in November 2026, if the measure wins House approval.

“I’m always worried about the Senate. I don’t just want to get it through the House. I want something that actually becomes the law of the land,” Riley said. “It’s not something that’s going to have universal support over there. But I do think there is a path.”

If approved by lawmakers, the measure would go before voters as part of a constitutional requirement regarding citizen input on tax issues.

The legislative session begins Jan. 8. The filing of bills begins Dec. 1.

Federal Funding Update: November 12, 2025

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:25:00 GMT

Please see below from Dr. Kent McClure, AVMA Chief Advocacy Officer, with an update on funding for the federal government. This information was shared with AVMA delegates this morning.

On November 10^th, the Senate voted on a bipartisan legislative package that includes a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would re-open the government through January 30 as well as appropriations bills for three components of the federal government (Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction-VA), funding these for the remainder of the Fiscal Year 2026. The package would also provide back pay to all federal employees and prohibit agencies from reducing full-time staff for the duration of the CR. It also reverses firings of federal workers by the Administration since the shutdown began on October 1. House members are now making their way back to DC to vote on the CR. Although some speculate that it could be considered as early as Wednesday, the timeline for House consideration is TBD.

Highlights related to veterinary medicine in the CR and Department of Agriculture yearlong spending bill include:

The Farm Bill is extended until September 2026.
Key veterinary programs are level funded – VMLRP ($10 million), VSGP ($4 million), and FARAD ($2 million)
The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility is fully funded.
The APHIS premium pay cap exemption is included.
FSIS receives a $15m increase for the State Meat and Poultry Inspection and Cooperative Interstate Shipment Programs.
USDA must report on the New World Screwworm domestic readiness and response initiative.
Earmarks are included for:
- Alaska – The Alaska Federation of Natives - $750,000 for Alaska Native Rural Veterinary Care
- Georgia – The University of Georgia - $1,900,000 for the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Pathological Waste Incinerator
- Maryland – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore - $1,000,000 for the Development of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program
- Utah State University – $560,535 for a Mobile Veterinary Research and Training Laboratory

USDA Update on Coordinated Federal Response to Protect United States From New World Screwworm

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:17:00 GMT

USDA Update on Coordinated Federal Response to Protect United States from New World Screwworm

Under the decisive leadership of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to make substantial progress on our sweeping, five-pronged plan to protect the nation’s livestock, wildlife, and agricultural communities from the threat of New World screwworm (NWS). This whole-of-government effort reflects the Trump administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding America’s agricultural economy and domestic food supply. As of October 17, NWS has not been detected in any animals or traps in the United States.

Vigilance and Preparedness at Home

With the support of industry, state, and Tribal partners, the United States remains vigilant against and fully prepared for possible NWS incursions. USDA is deploying intensive surveillance and monitoring systems; investing in NWS innovation; and supporting robust response activities in Mexico and Central America. Our teams are in place along the U.S. border, deploying over 113 NWS-specific traps and lures across high-risk areas of border states, and leveraging thousands of fruit fly/insect traps aligned all along the Southern border

USDA has conducted extensive U.S. training efforts and over 50 stakeholder meetings, increasing regional awareness of NWS and enabling more comprehensive suspect case reporting and response. Outreach and response materials, including the NWS Disease Response Strategy, ensure coordination between USDA, states, and industry in advance of a U.S. case. Earlier today, USDA also shared the NWS Response Playbook, an operational plan with detailed strategies of how USDA will work with States and other partners if we had an NWS detection within our borders.

In addition, USDA examines all wildlife captured in high-risk counties in Texas for signs of NWS infestation. To date, more than 1,600 wild animals have been examined, with no evidence of NWS found.

Cross-Border NWS Response and Collaboration

Although Mexico continues to confirm new cases of NWS, the overwhelming majority of these remain in the far southern part of the country, with no significant northward expansion over the past several months. The two northernmost detections (approximately 70 and 170 miles from the U.S. border, respectively) occurred in Nuevo León in young cattle transported from Chiapas, Mexico. While the ideal number of cases in the northern parts of the country is zero, Mexico’s ability to conduct rapid surveillance and notification has ensured these transportation-related cases remain isolated incidents. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) continues to coordinate sterile insect transport and release at prioritized locations in Mexico and is providing close oversight on nearby surveillance activities.

On August 19, USDA and Mexico’s agriculture authority, SENASICA, signed a collaborative NWS Action Plan with detailed actions about trapping, surveillance, and movement protocols that will help stop the spread of the parasite. The plan allows for U.S. audits of Mexico’s response. USDA is also helping SENASICA to implement a more risk-based trapping plan, with the installation of 960 traps north of the current Mexican aerial dispersal zone. USDA has assisted Mexico with hiring over 200 surge staff for fly trapping and animal movement controls within Mexico, and the Mexican government has authorized 168 NWS checkpoints for official inspections, preventative treatment, and wound care. These immediate response protocols have resulted in at least 7,245 animals within Mexico receiving timely treatment for NWS. Southern U.S. ports of entry remain closed to livestock imports as part of ongoing efforts to maintain robust safeguards

Sterile Fly Dispersal and Production

Mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile flies remain critical components of our effective response. USDA continues to produce 100 million sterile flies per week from the COPEG facility in Panama, and is also investing $21 million to support Mexico’s renovation of an existing fruit fly facility in Metapa—which will double NWS production capacity once complete. With ongoing support from APHIS technical experts, Mexico anticipates this sterile fly production to begin as soon as summer 2026. To expand our domestic response capacity, USDA has also begun construction on a sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, TX that is projected to begin operating in early 2026. APHIS is also expediting design and construction of a sterile fly production facility in Southern Texas, with a targeted maximum capacity of 300 million sterile flies per week. Once combined with the 200 million sterile flies, we are projected to have access to by next summer, this will approach the approximately 500 million sterile flies per week that USDA produced when it successfully eradicated NWS populations from large swaths of the United States in the 1960s and 1970s.

Innovation and New Tools

APHIS examines all wildlife captured in high-risk counties in Texas for evidence of NWS infestation; more than 1,600 wild animals have been examined to date with no evidence of NWS. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved new therapeutic tools that are effective against this pest, in case cases are confirmed in U.S. animals. Furthermore, USDA has committed up to $100 million towards breakthrough technologies through the NWS Grand Challenge, which will solicit ideas to develop new therapeutics, enhance sterile fly production, and advance NWS traps and lures. USDA is also exploring the suitability and effectiveness of technologies like e-beam and x-ray sterilization and genetically engineered flies.

Unified Federal Response

USDA has established a dedicated New World Screwworm Directorate within APHIS focused on coordinating and implementing the Secretary’s plans. USDA is collaborating closely with the following agencies to ensure a unified federal response to NWS: Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, Department of War, Department of State, Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Customs and Border Protection, Food and Drug Administration, and others.

New World Screwworm Webinar Recordings Available Online

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:59:00 GMT

New World Screwworm Webinar Recordings Now Available Online

Did you miss our recent webinars on New World screwworm (NWS)? The recordings are now available online. These sessions were designed for animal industry professionals, veterinarians, and State animal health regulatory officials. Watch now to learn more about this serious threat to livestock, wildlife, and pets, including:

Biology and life cycle
How to recognize clinical signs
Reporting suspected cases
USDA’s planned response, should it be found in the United States

Watch Webinar for Animal Husbandry

Watch Video for Veterinarians & State Animal Health Officials

Governor Mike Kehoe to Sign House Bill 1

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 21:51:00 GMT

Governor Kehoe to Sign House Bill 1

09/25/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2025

Governor Kehoe to Sign House Bill 1

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that he intends to sign House Bill 1 of the One Hundred Third General Assembly's Second Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

“After a thorough bill review process with our team, I am prepared to officially sign the Missouri First Map into law,” said Governor Kehoe. “Missouri’s conservative, common-sense values should be truly represented at all levels of government, and the Missouri First Map delivers just that. We appreciate the work of legislators in the General Assembly in getting this bill to my desk, as well as passing critically needed IP reform to give Missouri voters the opportunity to protect our Constitution at the ballot box.”

On August 29, Governor Kehoe convened the General Assembly for a special session to enact legislation establishing updated congressional districts for the State of Missouri and amending the state’s initiative petition process. On September 12, the General Assembly truly agreed to and finally passed the Missouri First Map in House Bill 1 and the "Protect Missouri Voters" amendment in House Joint Resolution 3.

The bill signing will be a closed event. A press release will follow the signing, with photos available on the Governor's Flickr page.

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza in Dairy Herd in Nebraska

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 22:01:00 GMT

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Dairy Herd in Nebraska

Milk Supply Safe; Considered Low Risk to Human Health and Safety

Contact: aphispress@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 15, 2025—Today, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 in a dairy cattle herd in Nebraska. This confirmation was a result of State tracing and investigation, following an initial detection from pre-movement surveillance milk samples required under USDA’s April 2024 Federal Order.

This marks the first known case of HPAI in cattle in Nebraska. While dairy cattle in a total of 17 states have been infected since the start of the outbreak in March 2024, APHIS has seen cases in only a small number of states this year. APHIS is working closely with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to conduct additional on-farm investigation, testing, and gathering of additional epidemiological information to better understand this detection and limit further disease spread.

The detection does not change USDA’s HPAI eradication strategy. Biosecurity is still key to mitigate the risk of disease introduction or spread between premises; APHIS recommends enhanced biosecurity measures for all dairy farms, particularly as we enter fall migratory bird season. Producers should immediately report any livestock with clinical signs, or any unusual sick or dead wildlife, to their state veterinarian.

There is no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health, or that it affects the safety of the commercial milk supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is confident that pasteurization is effective at inactivating H5N1, and that the commercial, pasteurized milk supply is safe. Dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption; milk from impacted animals is being diverted from the commercial milk tank or destroyed so that it does not enter the human food supply.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H5N1 viruses circulating in birds and U.S. dairy cattle are believed to pose a low risk to the general public in the United States. However, people who have job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds or mammals are at higher risk of infection and should take appropriate precautions outlined in CDC guidance.

New World Screwworm: Confirmed Case 70 miles South of US Border

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 21:15:00 GMT

Mexico Confirms Case of New World Screwworm in Nuevo Leon

United Stated Department of Agriculture

(Washington, D.C., September 21, 2025) – Hours ago, Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) confirmed a new case of New World screwworm (NWS) in Sabinas Hidalgo, located in the state of Nuevo León, less than 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.

This is now the northernmost detection of NWS during this outbreak, and the one most threatening to the American cattle and livestock industry. Sabinas Hidalgo is located near the major highway from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, to Laredo, Texas, which is one of the most heavily trafficked commercial thoroughfares in the world.

"Protecting the United States from NWS is non-negotiable and a top priority of the Trump Administration,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “This is a national security priority. We have given Mexico every opportunity and every resource necessary to counter NWS since announcing the NWS Bold Plan in June 2025. Nevertheless, American ranchers and families should know that we will not rely on Mexico to defend our industry, our food supply, or our way of life. We are firmly executing our five-pronged plan and will take decisive action to protect our borders, even in the absence of cooperation. Furthermore, we will pursue aggressive measures against anyone who harms American livestock.”

The previous northernmost detection was reported on July 9, 2025, in Veracruz, approximately 370 miles farther south. Preliminary reports from SENASICA indicate that the affected animal—an 8-month-old cow—had recently been moved to a certified feedlot in Nuevo León from a region in southern Mexico with known active NWS cases. The potential link to animal movement underscores the non-negotiable need for Mexico to fully implement and comply with the U.S.–Mexico Joint Action Plan for NWS in Mexico.

Currently, U.S. ports remain closed to imports of cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico.

Since July, USDA alongside Mexico, has been actively monitoring nearly 8,000 traps across Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. To date, more than 13,000 screening samples have been submitted, with no NWS flies detected. USDA is analyzing all new information related to the recent case in Nuevo León and will pursue all options to release sterile flies in this region as necessary.

In addition, USDA will soon release a significant plan to help rebuild the American cattle supply, incentivizing our great ranchers, and driving a full-scale revitalization of the American beef industry. This is only the beginning with many more announcements coming this week as USDA restores American strength, protects food security, and supports America’s ranchers and farmers.

USDA Leads An Aggressive National Response

Under the decisive leadership of Secretary Rollins, USDA has made substantial progress in implementing its sweeping, five-prong plan to protect the nation’s livestock, wildlife, and public health from the growing threat of NWS. This effort reflects the Trump administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding America’s agricultural economy and food security through a unified, whole-of-government response.

USDA serves as the lead coordinating agency, deploying advanced surveillance systems; ramping up domestic preparedness; investing in innovative detection, control, and response tools and strategies; and supporting robust cross-border response efforts in Mexico and Central America to combat the pest and push it away from the United States. USDA’s comprehensive strategy includes the following immediate actions:

1. Innovating Our Way to Eradication

USDA is investing $100 million in breakthrough technologies through the NWS Grand Challenge, which will solicit ideas to enhance sterile fly production and develop new tools such as advanced traps, lures, and therapeutics.
USDA is also exploring and validating technologies like e-beam and x-ray sterilization, genetically engineered flies, and modular sterilization facilities through public listening sessions and ongoing evaluations.

2. Protecting the U.S. Border

USDA has begun construction on a domestic sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Force Base in Edinburg, Texas. This $8.5 million facility, expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2025, will be capable of dispersing up to 100 million sterile flies per week.
Planning is also underway with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for construction of a domestic sterile fly production facility in Southern Texas, with a projected capacity of 300 million sterile flies per week.

3. Strengthening Surveillance and Detection

Since July, USDA alongside Mexico, has been actively monitoring nearly 8,000 traps across Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. To date, more than 13,000 screening samples have been submitted, with no NWS flies detected.
USDA continues to disperse 100 million sterile flies per week in Mexico, sourced from the COPEG facility in Panama. USDA is providing support to Mexico to renovate a production facility in Metapa, which is expected to produce an additional 60–100 million sterile flies.

4. Enhancing Public Awareness and Education

APHIS has published an updated national disease response strategy and is providing training and webinars for federal, state, Tribal, and veterinary partners.
Outreach materials, including pest ID cards and alerts, are being distributed along the U.S.–Mexico border. APHIS has held over 50 stakeholder meetings and continues to expand outreach efforts.

5. Coordinating with Mexico and International Partners

Following detections in Oaxaca and Veracruz, USDA closed southern ports of entry to livestock trade after a case was reported 370 miles from the U.S. border.
USDA is conducting monthly audits of Mexico’s NWS response and is helping Mexico develop a more risk-based trapping plan, especially in Veracruz and along the border. Mexico currently deploys traps in high-risk areas, with USDA support.
USDA is supporting hiring of over 200 surge staff for trapping and animal movement control in Mexico.
SENASICA has launched a dashboar d that tracks NWS cases across Mexico. This tool significantly enhances USDA’s ability to monitor the situation south of the border, better assess risk, and deliver more effective operational responses in coordination with Mexican authorities.

Unprecedented Interagency Collaboration

USDA is working in close partnership with the following federal agencies to ensure a unified national response.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is leading human health surveillance and response, providing diagnostic support, educating healthcare providers, and coordinating One Health efforts across federal, state, and international partners.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to ensure veterinarians, farmers, and animal health officials have timely access to the tools they need to protect pets, livestock, and the nation’s food supply by authorizing the emergency use of certain animal drugs to treat or prevent infestations caused by the New World Screwworm (NWS). In addition, on August 19, FDA issued a declaration that enables Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs to treat or prevent infestations caused by the New World Screwworm (NWS).
Department of the Interior (DOI) is ensuring wildlife surveillance and environmental compliance, particularly on federal lands.
Department of Energy (DoE) is exploring and validating new sterilization technologies to enhance our ability to combat NWS.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is supporting surveillance, intelligence sharing, and emergency planning, including training Customs and Border Protection and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement personnel to identify and respond to NWS cases.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expediting pesticide approvals and supporting emergency exemptions.
Department of State (DoS) is leading diplomatic engagement to combat NWS by coordinating with host governments and interagency partners to share information, align technical assistance, and deliver consistent messaging.

This collaboration is guided by the U.S. One Health Coordination Unit for NWS (U.S. OHCU–NWS), co-led by USDA, CDC, and DOI. Together, these agencies are executing a phased response strategy that includes early detection, rapid containment, and long-term eradication efforts.

What You Can Do

NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh.

USDA urges residents on the southern border to check their pets and livestock for signs of NWS. Look for draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for screwworm larvae (maggots) and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia or the navel of newborn animals. If you suspect your animal is infected with screwworm, contact your state animal health official or USDA area veterinarian immediately.

While not common in people, if you notice a suspicious lesion on your body or suspect you may have contracted screwworm, seek immediate medical attention.

Learn more about NWS on the APHIS website. For veterinary guidance and resources, scroll to the bottom of the APHIS Webpage.