1. Arizona adds fourth layer of cattle inspections as officials prepare new screwworm defense facility [edited]
By: Craig McKee
ABC15.com
August 3, 2026
Arizona agriculture officials say cattle imported from Mexico will undergo multiple layers of inspections as the state works with federal partners to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm, a destructive livestock pest that has prompted heightened border surveillance and plans for a new sterile fly distribution facility in southern Arizona.
Ryan Wolker, State Veterinarian with the Arizona Department of Agriculture, said the process for importing cattle has remained largely consistent with previous reopening periods following the detection of New World screwworm in Mexico, but Arizona has added another inspection after cattle cross into the United States.
Before cattle are allowed to enter the United States, each shipment undergoes three inspections on the Mexican side of the border, Wolker said.
The process begins with a veterinarian approved by Mexico's national animal health authority, who examines the animals, administers an approved antiparasitic treatment and verifies the required documentation before the cattle move to a border pre-inspection facility.
There, a second Mexican government veterinarian performs another inspection before the cattle are transferred to a U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service facility, which is also located on the Mexican side of the border. USDA veterinarians conduct a third inspection, looking for wounds or signs of infestation that could indicate the presence of New World screwworm larvae.
If no concerns are identified, the cattle are treated with an organophosphate solution designed to eliminate ticks and other parasites before they are cleared to cross into the United States.
Once cattle enter Arizona, state officials conduct an additional inspection. Livestock inspectors with the Arizona Department of Agriculture verify documentation after the cattle are resorted, record each animal's electronic identification tag, and ensure a USDA-accredited veterinarian completes paperwork for transportation to destinations throughout the country.
2. Every wound matters [swine - edited]
What pig caretakers need to know About New World screwworm.
By Alejandrina Da Silva, DVM, MS and Chris Rademacher, DVM, Iowa State University
National Hog Farmer
August 4, 2026
For decades, New World screwworm has been viewed as a foreign animal disease threat that existed outside the United States. However, its recent re-emergence in Mexico serves as an important reminder that swine producers and caretakers should be prepared to recognize suspicious wounds long before the parasite reaches U.S. swine farms. Experiences from veterinarians and producers in Mexico have demonstrated that early detection by caretakers is one of the most important factors in limiting animal suffering, reducing tissue damage and preventing additional cases.
While no cases have been documented in U.S. swine, the re-emergence of NWS in neighboring regions highlights the importance of being prepared before the disease becomes a domestic concern.
One of the most important lessons learned from affected areas is that every wound deserves attention. Commercial swine farms routinely manage cuts, abrasions, shoulder sores, vulvar injuries after farrowing, ear and tail wounds, surgical incisions following castration, umbilical wounds in young pigs, hoof injuries and bite wounds. Under normal circumstances, most of these injuries heal without complications. However, if NWS flies are present, each of these wounds represents a potential site for egg deposition and larval development. Rather than dismissing these injuries as routine, producers should view them as opportunities for early intervention and prevention.
Full text: https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/livestock-management/every-wound-matters
3. Study reveals clues to deadly Marek's disease evolution
By AGDAILY Reporters
Ag Daily
August 4, 2026
A highly contagious herpes virus causes Marek's disease, a deadly illness that mainly infects chickens. While it does not make people sick, the virus causes tumors and paralysis in chickens and, if unchecked, can spread rapidly through entire flocks.
Beginning in the 1970s, widespread vaccination for the virus greatly reduced its impact on the poultry industry, but over the years, some strains of the virus have increased in virulence, causing more severe disease and evolving ways to break through and evade vaccine protection. A massive new study by researchers at Penn State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has now identified 10 regions in the virus's genome that likely played a role in the increases in virulence. The findings could inform the development of next-generation vaccines that are more effective at preventing future breakthroughs, according to the research team.
A paper describing the study was published July 29 in the journal Science Advances. [ See: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aee9024 ]
"Even with nearly universal vaccination, Marek's disease virus still circulates on poultry farms, causing losses around the world, across the U.S. and here in Pennsylvania," said Moriah L. Szpara, professor of biology and of biochemistry and molecular biology in the Eberly College of Science at Penn State and leader of the research team. "We hope that our new study could help inform the design of next-generation vaccines that could potentially stop the virus from evading their protection."
Full text: https://www.agdaily.com/livestock/poultry/study-reveals-clues-to-mareks-disease-evolution/
4. Livestock ports set to open slowly
By Jenna Byrne, Managing Editor
Hay & Forage Grower
August 4, 2026
After more than a year of restrictions that were put in place to prevent the spread of New World screwworm (NWS), USDA has recently announced a phased reopening of southern livestock ports, marking an important milestone for the U.S. cattle industry and the forage producers who support it.
Beginning August 24, the Douglas, Ariz., port of entry will reopen to cattle imports from Mexico, provided the country continues to meet the requirements outlined in USDA's Joint Action Plan for NWS control. Other ports in Santa Teresa and Columbus, N.M., may reopen later following continued risk assessments and strict biosecurity measures.
While the announcement primarily affects cattle movement, it also has implications for forage markets. Mexican cattle imports play an important role in the U.S. beef supply chain, particularly for feedlots across the Southwest. As those animals enter finishing operations, they become consumers of hay, alfalfa, and other stored forages, helping support demand across the country.
Proceeding with caution
USDA highlights that the reopening will occur gradually with strict supervision. Every animal entering through reopened ports will undergo a full USDA inspection to ensure it shows no signs of New World screwworm infestation.
The agency also noted that Sonora and Chihuahua remain the lowest-risk Mexican states because of their established animal health infrastructure, inspection programs, and distance from areas where most recent screwworm cases have been detected. The closest active case to the Douglas port was approximately 325 miles away as of July 22.
Full text: https://hayandforage.com/article-5781-Livestock-ports-set-to-open-slowly.html
5. USDA Invests $25 Million in New Arizona Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility [edited]
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins also visited the livestock inspection facilities at the Douglas, Arizona Port of Entry prior to the planned reopening of the port to livestock trade on Aug. 24.
Posted by Jacqueline Mitchell, Editor, QA
Quality Assurance Magazine
August 4, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will invest $25 million toward the opening of a new sterile fly dispersal facility in Arizona to support its long-term response to New World screwworm (NWS), a pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife and less commonly, people and birds.
The proposed Arizona sterile fly dispersal facility would complement existing facilities in Texas, Mexico and Panama and is designed to improve USDA's ability to respond to NWS threats along the Southwest border. The agency said it will work with the Arizona Department of Agriculture and state leaders to identify the specific location and operational plan for the Douglas facility.
Depending on the selected site and available infrastructure, construction could be completed in several months, said USDA.
6. Standlee Launches Forage Foundation to Advance the Role of Forage in Equine Nutrition
New feeding approach reinforces the role of premium forage as the nutritional foundation of equine health, wellness, and performance
MorningAgClips.com
August 3, 2026
KIMBERLY, Idaho - Standlee, a trusted leader in premium Western forage since 1981, today announced the launch of Forage Foundation, a new feeding approach built around one simple principle: forage is the nutritional foundation of every horse's diet.
Rooted in Standlee's long-standing forage expertise, Forage Foundation reinforces the essential role premium forage plays in supporting digestive health, body condition, wellness, and performance. By combining practical feeding guidance with trusted nutrition education, the approach helps horse owners make more informed decisions and build balanced feeding programs with confidence.
"Forage Foundation represents what Standlee has known for more than four decades: forage is the nutritional foundation of every horse's diet. Our goal is to simplify equine nutrition by helping horse owners better understand the role forage plays and providing the trusted knowledge and premium forage solutions they need to feed with confidence." - Jessica Wright, Vice President of Marketing.