06/05/2026
❗️New World Screwworm (NWS) is a devastating pest that can affect livestock, pets, and wildlife. NWS has been confirmed in South Texas, and our team is already working to get Arkansas-specific guidance for producers.
In the meantime, our beef systems specialists have pulled together links to resources about NWS and the most recent case.
Arkansas Extension Beef Systems Arkansas Extension Small Ruminants University of Arkansas Poultry Science Department
The first detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) has occurred in Zavala County, Texas, on a 3-week-old calf in the umbilical area. This detection was confirmed yesterday by USDA-APHIS.
Want to learn more about the pest and the current response? Here are some links to some helpful links:
🔘Official APHIS announcement of NWS case: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states
🔘Unified Government website for most accurate and up to date NWS information: screwworm.gov
🔘USDA New World Screwworm Playbook and Supplemental materials: www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/nws-response-playbook.pdf
🔘U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Animal Drugs for New World Screwworm: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/new-world-screwworm-information-veterinarians
🔘USDA APHIS Pesticides for Control of New World Screwworm: www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/pesticides-for-nws.pdf
🔘NCBA resources including posters and handouts (will be updated in coming days): www.bqa.org/screwworm
🔘NCBA Cattlemen’s Webinar on “New World Screwworm - Regulations, Readiness & Response”: https://youtu.be/Xv6TfIoUEfM?si=iejH3ZmG9LUpCnL1
