Ranchers, wildlife managers, veterinarians and community members are invited to attend a public forum later this month focused on the threat posed by the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly capable of causing serious harm to livestock, wildlife and pets.
The community forum will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, June 29, in Room 130 of the Turner Range Animal Science Center at Sul Ross State University.
The event is being organized by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and will feature a panel discussion and question-and-answer session with representatives from the Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Sul Ross State University, Alpine Veterinary Clinic and AgriLife Extension.
The New World screwworm is the larval stage of a fly that lays eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals. After hatching, the larvae feed on living tissue, potentially causing severe injury or death if left untreated. The pest was eradicated from the United States decades ago through a large-scale sterile fly program but remains a concern because of its potential to spread northward from areas where it is still present.
Organizers say the forum will provide information about identification, prevention, reporting procedures and the potential impacts of a New World screwworm outbreak on livestock operations, wildlife populations and companion animals.
The event is being held in partnership with the Borderlands Research Institute and other regional organizations involved in animal health and wildlife management.
For additional information, residents may contact the Brewster-Jeff Davis County Extension Office at (432) 837-6200, ext. 114.
