SHIC/AASV Webinar on New World Screwworm Resources Planned for August 4

The Swine Health Information Center, in collaboration with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, will host a webinar titled “New World Screwworm Response Planning, Available Resources, and Outreach Strategies for Pork Producers”. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm CDT. Register for the webinar here.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the detection of NWS in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, on June 3, 2026. NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, causing serious wounds, infestation, and even animal death if left untreated.

USDA APHIS stated in its press release that, “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.” In response to the detection, actions taken by authorities include the establishment of a unified incident command structure and implementation of a comprehensive containment strategy, including quarantines, movement controls, enhanced surveillance, increased sterile fly release, expanded trapping efforts, wildlife monitoring, and targeted local outreach. These measures are designed to contain NWS infestation, prevent its spread, and accelerate eradication efforts. Additional resources can be found on USDA’s NWS website at www.screwworm.gov.    

The intent of the August 4 webinar is to provide the latest information on the USDA NWS Response Playbook and its impact on producers, review the current products available to treat animals affected by the parasitic larvae, including product categories and requirements for use, and hear insights regarding efforts in Texas to manage and control the pest. Join experts during this webinar as they share critical information on NWS preparedness, response, and mitigation strategies, as well as insight into how NWS may impact the US pork industry. 

Confirmed presentations to date include:

Overview of NWS Response Playbook and its relevance for pork producers

Lindsey Holmstrom, DVM, director of national preparedness and incident coordination, USDA APHIS Veterinary Services

Products for NWS treatment: A review of the FDA approval process, the definition of the product category, and requirements for use in swine 

Tristan Colonius, DVM, MPA, chief veterinary officer and deputy director for science policy, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Insight into “boots on the ground” activities in Texas for NWS pork producer preparedness and response    

Jeff Wiegert, PhD, swine extension specialist, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University

The Swine Health Information Center, launched in 2015 with Pork Checkoff funding, protects and enhances the health of the US swine herd by minimizing the impact of emerging disease threats through preparedness, coordinated communications, global disease monitoring, analysis of swine health data, and targeted research investments. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Megan Niederwerder at [email protected] or Dr. Lisa Becton at [email protected].