Screwworm vigilance urged

State agriculture officials are urging livestock producers, veterinarians, and 4-H families to thoroughly check sheep, cattle, goats, and pets for open wounds that could be infected by the New World Screwworm.

“If you see something, say something,” entomologist Cassandra Olds said on a K-State Research and Extension weekly webinar series launched this month as a prevention effort.

Animal owners can attend and ask questions during the series at noon Tuesdays through July 7 or listen to recordings. The webinars are free, but viewers must register. Information can be found at the K-State New World Screwworm Webinar Series site.

The screwworm is a maggot that feeds on living tissue. It has been found in 16 sheep, cattle, and goats in Texas and a dog in New Mexico. Maggots on dead livestock or wild animals are not screwworms, officials said.

There are no active cases in Kansas, agriculture officials said, but the state is investigating reports of suspicious maggotinfested wounds and monitoring livestock movements from affected zones.

Kansas agriculture officials are concerned about movement of animals — such as taking animals to shows in affected areas in Texas and then returning with them.