First Cases of New World Screwworm Reported in July Push Total Numbers to 31
Oklahoma Farm Report
July 2, 2026
USDA has reported the first cases of New World Screwworm in July on Screwworm.Gov- both were sheep infestations in Crockett County, which is about 85 miles from the international border and the Rio Grande River. The County now has the most NWS cases of any county in the state- eight.
The latest cases posted on July first on the USDA website make 31 the total number found in the US since case one was discovered June third. Ten cases have been declared inactive or resolved with 21 cases considered to be active. The active case that continues to be closest to the Oklahoma State Line (the Red River) is the one reported in Tom Green County near San Angelo on June 11th, which was a calf.
Secretary Wengryn Sets Import Requirements to Protect New Jersey Livestock from New World Screwworm [edited]
NJ Dept. of Agriculture Press Release
June 30, 2026
(TRENTON) The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), with consultation and agreement from the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), has implemented specific requirements for animals being transported from a New World Screwworm (NWS) affected state into New Jersey, effective immediately.
Since the announcement of an NWS detection in Texas on June 3, the NJDA has been monitoring the case reports and considering potential impacts to New Jersey animal owners. While the risk to New Jersey remains low, the confirmation of NWS in the US and continued new detections in Texas prove that this will be an ongoing issue. Movement of animals from impacted areas is a potential source of NWS introduction into New Jersey. The confirmed cases, in Texas and New Mexico, have involved livestock and canine species. There have been no cases of NWS detected in New Jersey or surrounding states.
Since the announcement of an NWS detection in Texas on June 3, the NJDA has been monitoring the case reports and considering potential impacts to New Jersey animal owners. While the risk to New Jersey remains low, the confirmation of NWS in the US and continued new detections in Texas prove that this will be an ongoing issue. Movement of animals from impacted areas is a potential source of NWS introduction into New Jersey. The confirmed cases, in Texas and New Mexico, have involved livestock and canine species. There have been no cases of NWS detected in New Jersey or surrounding states.
The full list of movement requirements may be found at: Animal Health ( https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/).
View the New World Screwworm New Jersey Entry Infographic at: NWS_Import_Infographic.pdf
View Quarantine Order here: Quarantine Order for Preventing New World Screwworm
See: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/news/pdfs/Quarantine %20Order%20To%20Prevent%20New%20World%20Screwworm%20from%20Entering%20New%20Jersey%20June%20302026.pdf
Full text of press release: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/news/press/2026/approved/press260630.shtml
FFAR Research to Advance More Effective Control of New World Screwworm [edited]
Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research Press Release
July 2, 2026
WASHINGTON (July 2, 2026) - As cases of New World screwworm (NWS) mount in the U.S., the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Agragene and North Carolina State University (NC State) are investing $300,000 in a Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant to suppress the New World screwworm population by testing new technology that produces sterile, reproductively vigorous male flies.
A major screwworm outbreak in Texas alone is estimated to cost $1.8 billion in livestock losses, veterinary expenses and labor costs, underscoring the urgent need for new, sustainable control solutions.
Dr. Maxwell Scott, a professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at NC State, previously collaborated on the development of NovoFly, an all-male NWS strain.
"There are major advantages to releasing only sterile males for New World screwworm control, because males are the sex that mate with wild females and drive population suppression," said Scott. "However, these males must still be sterilized using radiation, which can reduce their ability to mate. In this new project, we are using CRISPR gene-editing technologies to produce males that are already sterile and which may provide a fitness benefit. The goal is to develop an alternative way to produce competitive sterile males without the cost and liabilities of gamma irradiation," explained Scott.
This research advances a radiation-free sterility approach that could become a critical component of New World screwworm eradication efforts in the U.S., especially when paired with emerging research supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on male-only strains and additional strategies to enhance male fitness.
2. Strengthen FAD preparedness: 3 essential steps for pork producers
The ability to rapidly locate livestock populations can significantly influence the speed and effectiveness of a disease response.
By Ashley Englin, Iowa Pork Industry Center
National Hog Farmer
July 1, 2026
The United States swine industry has invested significant resources into preventing the introduction and spread of foreign animal diseases. While these diseases remain absent from the U.S. swine industry, recent global outbreaks serve as a reminder that preparedness is not simply a regulatory exercise. It is a critical component of protecting animal health, maintaining business continuity, and preserving consumer confidence in the pork supply chain.
In the event of a foreign animal disease detection, one of the first priorities for animal health officials is determining where susceptible animals are located and identifying which operations may have been exposed. The ability to rapidly locate livestock populations can significantly influence the speed and effectiveness of a disease response. Producers play an essential role in that effort by ensuring key preparedness measures are in place before an outbreak occurs.
Step 1: Register and maintain a premises identification number
Step 2: Develop a Secure Pork Supply Plan
Step 3: Prioritize traceability and recordkeeping
Cattle Groups Push to Continue Reciprocal Trade with Canada and Mexico
Producers say the agreement helps fill cattle supply gaps and supports beef processors across the region.
By Neal Burnette-Irwin
RFDTV.com
July 1, 2026
BOISE, Idaho (RFD News) - July 1 marks the start of the mandatory six-year joint review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and grain and cattle groups are hoping to see the trade pact renewed.
Cameron Mulrony with the Idaho Cattle Association says the agreement is important for keeping beef processing facilities supplied throughout the year.
"We need cattle year-round. Here in the Northwest, specifically, we have spring calvers that run January through June, and then we switch to fall calves in August. Our dairy cross folks can fill some of the gaps, but there are times when we need some of those cattle from up north to come and keep our processing facilities full all across the nation, not just in the West. Our proximity to Canada makes it more impactful to our processors."
Mulrony says the future of the USMCA is something the cattle industry will be watching closely in the coming days and weeks.
Full text: https://www.rfdtv.com/cattle-groups-push-to-continue-reciprocal-trade-with-canada-and-mexico
Trump administration says it will not extend the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
KBRX.com
July 2, 2026
The Trump administration said Wednesday it will not renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in its current form. The decision comes as the agreement reached its first mandatory six-year review, a milestone that could have extended the pact for another 16 years. The existing agreement will remain active for its remaining 10-year lifespan through July 1, 2036, during which Washington plans to pursue significant modifications to resolve trade imbalances and domestic manufacturing concerns. The three countries now enter a period of annual reviews unless they agree to revise and renew the deal before its scheduled 2036 expiration.
Although the announcement does not terminate the agreement, economists and business groups warned that prolonged uncertainty could weigh on investment decisions across North America. The USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2020 after being negotiated during President Trump's first term, governs nearly $2 trillion in annual trade among the three countries. Analysts said the prospect of yearly reviews could complicate long-term planning for industries including automotive manufacturing, steel, aluminum and digital commerce.
4. APHIS Updates 2026 Indemnity Values To Strengthen National Animal Health Response
USDA APHIS
July 1, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today published indemnity values for 2026, reflecting the agency's ongoing commitment to fair, consistent, and data-driven compensation for producers affected by animal health emergencies.
Each year, APHIS reviews and updates the Veterinary Services (VS) Indemnity Table to ensure valuations reflect the most current market data and policy requirements. These updates help APHIS and its USDA partners respond quickly and effectively during disease outbreaks by providing clear, predictable compensation values that support early reporting and rapid response actions.
The 2026 updates include several key improvements. APHIS aligned its valuation approach for pregnant animals with legislative changes and Farm Service Agency (FSA) guidance. The agency also updated methods for determining turkey poult values following the discontinuation of a legacy market report and incorporated the latest organic and specialty species data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service and industry partners. Additional refinements include expanded nonadult categories for certain species, improved multiyear averaging where market data are limited, and clearer age-based classifications for dairy cattle based on producer and field staff feedback.
View the 2026 Indemnity Table: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/epidemiology/producer-indemnity-comp
5. Federal rulemaking signals sweeping changes for accreditors like AVMA COE [edited]
Education Department will put new requirements on outcomes assessments, organizational involvement, and who can serve on accrediting bodies
By Malinda Larkin
AVMA News
June 30, 2026
The Trump administration has pledged to shake up the nation's higher education accreditation system, and as more details become available, it's clear that many accrediting bodies-including the AVMA Council on Education (AVMA COE)-will look different in the future.
The AVMA COE is a recognized accreditor of veterinary colleges by the department, though, the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), which accredits veterinary technology programs, is not. So, current federal discussions do not affect CVTEA accreditation processes; therefore, veterinary technology program accreditation continues as usual, and programs can feel confident in their current accreditation status. The AVMA COE is also recognized by Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The AVMA issued an open letter on June 9, saying it "remains firmly committed to accreditation and to supporting the systems that ensure educational quality, accountability, and public trust."
As part of current ED recognition requirements, the AVMA COE must maintain independence from the AVMA itself. This includes making independent decisions regarding accreditation of veterinary schools, the standards of accreditation, and its policies and procedures. Both the AVMA and American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) provide staff support for the council.
However, under the proposed rules, accrediting agencies would no longer be able to share resources "including personnel, services, equipment, facilities, or information technology with any related, associated, or affiliated trade or professional organization."
Full text: https://www.avma.org/news/federal-rulemaking-signals-sweeping-changes-accreditors-avma-coe