Screwworm Confirmed in Otero County Cow

Two cases border Otero County in Hudspeth County, Texas, as of October 23. USDA advises checking livestock for infected wounds.

A map of Screwworm-Infested Zones in Southern NM from ScrewwormNM.org (Photo: NMSU Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources Facebook Page)

State officials have placed part of Otero County under livestock movement restrictions after confirming New World screwworm in a beef cow, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture said.

The department announced the case October 21. It was New Mexico’s fifth confirmed case since the parasite returned to the United States in June, the Santa Fe New Mexican and KOB-TV reported.

Officials set an infested zone with a radius of at least 12.4 miles around the cow’s location. Animals inside the zone must be inspected and, if necessary, treated before they move within or out of the area. State and federal officials are expanding surveillance and fly-trapping, the department said.

“Cold daytime temperatures can slow screwworm activity, but the risk is not completely eliminated,” Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte said in the announcement.

Two days later, on Oct. 23, USDA confirmed two cases in cattle in Hudspeth County, Texas, which borders Otero County to the south, KTSM and KVIA reported.

What to Look For, Who to Call

The department advises owners of livestock and pets to watch for wounds that fail to heal or get worse, maggots in wounds, foul-smelling discharge and unusual irritation around an injury. Anyone who suspects screwworm should not move the animal and should call a veterinarian or the New Mexico Livestock Board at 505-841-6161. After hours, call the AgroGuard Hotline at 1-800-525-2782.

Sampling kits are available at the Otero County Extension Office, 401 Fairgrounds Road in Alamogordo, 575-437-0231. The state’s infested-zone map is at ScrewwormNM.org.

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