Southern Arizona ranchers prepare for possible outbreak
A flesh-eating parasite is getting closer to the United States, becoming a major concern for ranchers.
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A flesh-eating parasite is getting closer to the United States, becoming a major concern for ranchers.
The New World Screwworm has been detected about 90 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Ranchers across southern Arizona are bracing for a potential outbreak.
Clay Parsons, owner of Marana Stockyards, said there is a lot of worry among ranchers, though the screwworm has not yet been detected in the states.
“The screwworm infestation – if it does come – is a major concern,” Parsons said.
The New World screwworm is a species of parasitic fly that feeds on the tissue of warm-blooded animals, including people.
“It can actually cause the death of animals,” said Dr. Yan Zhang, director of the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
The University of Arizona’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is one of three labs working alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture to stop the spread of the pest.
The USDA has fly traps set up along the border. Zhang said if and when flies are caught, he and his team will step in.
“The flies will be trapped and sent to the lab for screening. If we see any suspect, we’ll forward to the USDA,” Zhang said.
His lab is talking with ranchers like Parsons on how to be prepared.
Parsons said he is preparing for the possibility to ensure his livestock stay safe and alive, as his cattle being infected could have consequences.
“Right now, we’re in the process of building some sterile fly plants. We’re also in the process of learning what to do if the outbreak does take place,” Parsons said.
In the 9960s and 70s, the United States eradicated its New World screwworm population by raising sterile male flies and releasing them from planes to mate with females.
Parsons said an outbreak now could lead to changes in the way ranchers work.
“It would take a lot more labor to make sure animals were OK. Right now, you know, our cattle run out on big open spaces. So we’re gonna have to congregate them more, we’re gonna have to look at them more,” Parsons said.
Parsons said the consumer should not worry about the safety of their meat, as heavy inspections are done before sale. However, an outbreak infecting cattle could impact the price tag.
“Anytime you have a lower supply of anything, prices go higher,” Parsons said.
Zhang said it is unpredictable as to whether and when the screwworm will make its way across the border. Labs are remaining highly vigilant, especially as the summer approaches and the heat provides perfect conditions for the pest to multiply.
