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Minnesota veterinarian says animal travel poses greatest screwworm risk to northern states
An extension livestock veterinarian encourages producers in the Upper Midwest to have a level-headed response to New World screwworm.
Dr. Angie Varnum with the University of Minnesota calls detections of the parasitic pest an important issue for the country.
“But it’s not something that’s currently urgent for Minnesota beef, dairy, small ruminant, swine, or equine producers.”
She tells Brownfield producers in northern states don’t need to make dramatic changes on account of screwworm infections in Texas and New Mexico.
“The importance of a certificate of veterinary inspection before moving animals is already in place, and continuing that good practice before moving animals from state to state is the best advice we can follow here in Minnesota right now.”
Varnum says the risk of New World screwworm in the northernmost states would come from travel associated with animals.
