The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Rural Crimes Investigative Unit and the Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force are investigating the false report of New World screwworm found in Missouri.
On May 27, a false press release was sent to a local radio station, inciting a panic of animal health concerns and market scares. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and the two investigation groups are investigating whether the false press release was sent with malicious intent to cause panic in agricultural markets.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control at 573-526-6122.
In early June, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the New World Screwworm Preparedness Act to direct the USDA to conduct a study and report strategies to protect against screwworm outbreaks.
