USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released the New World screwworm (NWS) Response Playbook, a comprehensive guide to protect U.S. livestock if the pest is detected.
The playbook provides strategies for coordinating a federal, state and local response, limiting the spread, maintaining business continuity and ensuring clear communication with producers and the public. It details surveillance and management methods for both domestic animals and wildlife, while outlining resource and information management protocols.
APHIS continues to work with Mexican authorities on targeted sterile-fly releases, expanded trapping efforts and checkpoint inspections to contain outbreaks. According to APHIS, Mexico has also implemented 168 checkpoints for inspections and wound care, treating over 7,200 animals.
The draft playbook is available at tinyurl.com/3vehsfj9.
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