The Executive Director of the Swine Health Information Center says it's important for pork producers to be aware of where to find resources for dealing with New World Screwworm and who to contact in the event of an infestation.New World Screwworm Preparedness is the focus of a Swine Health Information Center, American Association of Swine Veterinarians webinar accessible through SHIC's web site at swinehealth.org.SHIC Executive Director Dr. Lisa Becton says the intent of the webinar is to inform producers of what can be done and what is being done for New World Screwworm control, prevention and treatment.
Quote-Dr. Lisa Becton-Swine Health Information Center:
There are many different organizations that are involved in the New World Screwworm response, and each has a very specific focus area, but all work together with the goal of rapid identification, control management and then eventually elimination of New World Screwworm from the U.S.For instance, USDA and state animal health officials are leading the response to New World Screwworm from a federal and state regulated aspect.
There's other foreign partners, both in Mexico and in Panama, that help with the production of the sterile flies and assist USDA with release of those flies.
Producers are also rapidly engaged to identify potential cases.Our diagnostic laboratories are also engaged to be able to rapidly identify flies and if they are in fact New World Screwworm.
There's assistance from extension agents in the field to provide outreach and education and additional training on screwworm as well as people from both the Food and Drug Administration and EPA to help approve and provide guidance for emergency use of products to treat animals for New World Screwworm.
Dr. Becton says it's important for producers to have access to the resources to deal with New World Screwworm and are aware of who should be alerted in the event a suspect case is identified.The webinar can be accessed at swinehealth.org.
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