DATCP Resources on New World Screwworm

Check out these online resources to help stay aware and ahead of New World Screwworm (NWS).

New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax/NWS) is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue. After being eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, NWS has re‑emerged in Central America and Mexico. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), NWS has been detecte​d in​ the U.S. and in animals near the U.S.-Mexico border. USDA is working with affected states to respond with sterile fly releases, surveillance, and movement controls. At this time, NWS has not been detected in Wisconsin. 

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Is Your Water Line the Ultimate Biosecurity Breach?

The pork industry has spent millions on air filtration, feed safety and strict farm entry biosecurity protocols, but it has largely left the “water tap” wide open. Given that pigs drink more than double the volume of what they eat, untreated or unmonitored water represents a massive, overlooked vector for disease transmission, explains Dr. Gabi Doughan, veterinarian and technical project specialist in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University.

The Vulnerability of Water Sources

Understanding the source of your pigs’ water is a good place to start the conversation. Most pig farms either have a surface water source, well water source or rural or municipal-treated water source.

“With some of those sources, specifically surface water and well water, we can have some potential risk for biosecurity there,” Doughan says. “Because these sources are exposed to the environment, pathogens could potentially be in those locations.”

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources demonstrated that approximately 40% of wells sampled over a 15-year period in Iowa were contaminated with fecal coliform bacteria while other studies have demonstrated viral pathogen contamination in up to 30% of private wells and groundwater sources, Doughan notes.

“Water is one of the largest inputs entering into swine farms that remains generally untreated and unmonitored for contaminants before it is consumed,” she says.

What’s the Risk?

Doughan’s master’s research evaluated swine water sources – specifically deep and shallow wells – to determine if they present a pathway for swine pathogens to enter farms. Results successfully identified porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and swine manure markers in farm well water.

What is the Emerging Tick-Borne Livestock Disease Research Prioritization Act?

The U.S. Senate has introduced bipartisan legislation to address a growing threat to the American livestock industry: the invasive Asian longhorned tick (ALHT). Led by U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., along with Sens. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Jim Justice, R-W.Va., the Emerging Tick-Borne Livestock Disease Research Prioritization Act seeks to fast-track scientific solutions for devastating vector-borne diseases.

“Missouri is one of the nation’s leaders in livestock production and our farmers and ranchers work too hard to have their livelihoods threatened by emerging tick-borne diseases,” says Schmitt. “Invasive species like the Asian longhorned tick pose a growing risk to our livestock industry and the families who depend on it. By elevating the need for critical research into tick-borne livestock disease, we’re helping ensure producers have the tools they need to protect their herds, strengthen our food supply, and keep America’s agriculture industry competitive.”

Why the Asian Longhorned Tick Threatens U.S. Cattle

ALHT has spread aggressively throughout Midwest and East Coast pastures. This invasive pest transmits a bloodborne parasite that causes theileriosis, a disease that leads to severe anemia, weakness, reproductive failure, and death in livestock.

Because there are currently no approved vaccines or highly effective treatments for theileriosis in the U.S., a single infected animal can cost livestock producers thousands of dollars.

This threat emerges at a critical time. The national cattle herd size is currently at its lowest level in 75 years, putting unprecedented economic pressure on farmers and ranchers.

PRRS, Labor and Facilities Top of Mind for Producers

Colin Johnson connects with pork producers daily in his role as a swine field specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. These conversations give him a deep understanding of the issues shaping today’s swine industry and economic realities on the farm.

Recently, producers have raised questions about topics such as the National Swine Health Strategy, PRRS management, labor sourcing, and aging facilities. Drawing on more than 20 years of extension experience, Johnson offers his insight on these topics and discusses strategies to help producers make informed decisions for their operations.

How are producers reacting to the National Swine Health Strategy? What results are they hoping to achieve?

Overall reactions are positive and there is general support, particularly for traceability and improved biosecurity. Many farms have already implemented documentation efforts that will contribute to the goals of the National Swine Health Strategy.

Premises ID is a key component of the strategy that impacts every producer across the state, whether you are small, niche, youth, or part of a larger system. Having everyone registered for a premises ID would benefit the whole industry in the event of a disease outbreak or animal health event. From there, we can work on movement records and other biosecurity schemes.

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WLIC | Toll-Free: 88Like8-808-1910 | Fax: 608-848-4702 | jlegge@wiid.org | www.wiid.org