Ag News and Notes
Submitted by Heath D. Nokes, Extension Agent and County Director - UT-TSU Extension Warren County.
New World Screwworm — By now, I’m sure everyone is aware that the New World screwworm was found in a calf in South Texas, the first case in America in decades.
While much will be discussed on the subject, I thought the following information issued by the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association did a pretty good job of highlighting and summarizing what is important to know now:
The USDA has confirmed a New World Screwworm (NWS) case in a calf in South Texas, marking the first U.S.-origin detection in decades. NWS larvae feed on living tissue and can cause severe injury or death in livestock if left untreated. Federal and state officials have already implemented quarantine, surveillance, and eradication measures to contain the pest.
While there are currently no reported cases in Tennessee, producers should stay vigilant and regularly inspect cattle for wounds, especially around navels, branding sites, dehorning wounds, castration sites, and other injuries. Early detection is critical. NWS infestations often appear as wounds that fail to heal and may contain visible larvae.
USDA is expanding trapping efforts, deploying sterile flies, and increasing surveillance to prevent further spread.
• Monitor animals closely
• Treat and protect wounds promptly
• Report suspicious infestations to your veterinarian or state animal health officials
For more information, please visit: screwworm.gov
Restricted-Use Pesticide class info — I have not taken an accurate count, but we are nearing the close of our Restricted-Use Pesticide recertification cycle. While I am confident that most have been through the process, we will be having one last meeting to get everyone recertified.
The meeting will be held Monday, June 29, at 6 p.m. in the Magnolia Room. The cost is $25 and participants will receive the three CEU points required for recertification.
Summertime sweet summertime — As the temperatures and humidity rise, so does the potential for disease to invade the garden and destroy our best-laid plans for a bountiful harvest of summertime fruits and vegetables.
Much like our own health, the time to think about disease prevention is before the garden is invaded. Listed below are some things that can be done to prevent disease.
