1. USDA: Southwest US screwworm cases up to 7; USDA secretary [visits] South Texas ranch amid screwworm response efforts

USDA: Southwest US screwworm cases up to 7
New World screwworm has now been detected across two U.S. states.
By Heather Gooch
Pest Management Professional
June 11, 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed seven total cases of New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax, also known as NWS) in the United States across two states, Texas and New Mexico.

Cattle (Texas):
Edwards County - new
La Salle County
Zavala County
Goat (Texas)
Gillespie County
Dog:
Lea County, New Mexico

Full text: https://www.mypmp.net/usda-texas-screwworm-cases-up-to-7/


USDA secretary to visit South Texas ranch amid screwworm response efforts
KSAT 12
June 11, 2026

Secretary Rollins visited a cattle ranch on Thursday at Chaparrosa Ranch in La Pryor, where the New World screwworm was located.

KSAT posted a 30 min. video of the visit and it can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP_s9_Oi4-0

An accompanying transcript is available - but it does contain typographic errors!


2. Vesicular Stomatitis Identified at New Mexico Equine Facility
EDCC Health Watch
Equus Magazine
June 11, 2026

According to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, one new vesicular stomatitis (VSV)-positive equine premises has been identified in Santa Fe County, New Mexico.

Since October 2025, VSV has been identified at 15 equine premises in Arizona, one equine premises in Colorado, and three equine premises in New Mexico. All confirmed cases have been vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) serotype.

The last outbreak of VSV in the U.S. occurred from May 2023 through January 2024, affecting 319 premises across California, Nevada, and Texas. VSV circulates annually between livestock and insect vectors in southern Mexico and only occasionally results in incursion to the U.S.

Full text: https://equusmagazine.com/news/edcc-health-watch/vesicular-stomatitis-identified-at-new-mexico-equine-facility


3. Study finds biosecurity gaps in swine transport operations
Many drivers reported using PPE primarily for cleanliness rather than disease prevention, and formal biosecurity education was often limited in scope.
Swine Health Information Center
National Hog Farmer
June 10, 2026

To better understand how swine viruses spread during transport, the Swine Health Information Center funded a Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Research Program study focused on the unloading process at the harvest plant, in partnership with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and Pork Checkoff. Led by Cesar Corzo and Lucas Ferreira at the University of Minnesota, the study tracked the presence of four major pathogens affecting the swine industry as a method to assess trailer contamination dynamics during unloading. Additional objectives were to identify key factors such as season, cleaning practices and driver behaviors that influence contamination risk. Proper washing, disinfection and drying of trailers significantly reduce viral contamination risk, while seasonal conditions strongly influence virus presence, requiring adjusted biosecurity strategies year-round.

Read the industry summary of study #24-077 here: https://www.swinehealth.org/results/

Full text: https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/livestock-management/study-finds-biosecurity-gaps-in-swine-transport-operations


4. Mississippi Board of Animal Health issues new requirements for warm blooded animals imported to Mississippi due to Screwworm outbreak; Colorado adopts emergency rule to prevent spread of New World screwworm [edited]

Mississippi Board of Animal Health issues new requirements for warm blooded animals imported to Mississippi due to Screwworm outbreak
TVMO News Network
June 11, 2026

STATE NEWS (TVMO) - The Mississippi Board of Animal Health (MBAH) has issued new requirements regarding the importation of all warm blooded animals into the the state, due to the screw worm outbreak in Texas and other affected states.

Effective immediately and in accordance with this Notice, due to a detection of New World Screwworm in Texas, the Mississippi Board of Animal Health will enforce additional interstate movement health requirements for certain warm-blooded animals entering Mississippi from Texas or other affected states.

All warm-blooded animals imported to Mississippi from an infested zone must comply with the NWS National Continuity of Business Standardized Animal Movement Guidance and request an entry permit number at least 48 hours prior to movement.

Go to: New World Screwworm - MS Board of Animal Health to request an entry permit. See: https://www.mbah.ms.gov/disease-programs/new-world-screwworm/

All warm-blooded animals imported to Mississippi from outside an infested zone but within a surveillance zone or high-risk county in an affected or adjacent state must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) declaring all the animals listed on the CVI were inspected and found free of NWS. The CVI must include the statement, "All animals listed on the CVI have been inspected and are free from screwworm larvae infestation." The CVI shall be valid for no more than 7 days from the date of inspection.

Full text: https://tvmocommunitynews.substack.com/p/mississippi-board-of-animal-health-bfc


Colorado adopts emergency rule to prevent spread of New World screwworm [edited]
By: Jacob Factor
KDVR.com
June 11, 2026

DENVER (KDVR) - Colorado is responding to detections of the flesh-eating New World screwworm in nearby states with an emergency rule to try and curb the spread northward.

"This emergency rule is a vital step in safeguarding the health and well-being of all of Colorado's animals, including livestock, companion animals, and wildlife," said Colorado State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin.

The emergency rule includes the following restrictions on animals coming to Colorado from infested zones, according to the department:

Animals from an infested zone must enter Colorado only with approval and a Certificate for Movement from the state animal health official in the state of origin, which must be submitted with a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.
Animals with open wounds (without myiasis) must be treated with an authorized product within 14 days prior to movement (slaughter-bound animals are exempt from treatment but must be slaughtered within 72 hours).
An entry permit must be requested from the Colorado State Veterinarian's Office at 303-869-9130 within 48 hours of movement.
Upon arrival in Colorado, animals must be inspected by an authorized veterinarian or official.

Additionally, dogs and cats coming to Colorado from states with infested areas also have inspection protocols

Full text: https://kdvr.com/news/local/colorado-adopts-emergency-rule-to-prevent-spread-of-new-world-screwworm/


5. $9.5 million gift boosts UF efforts to protect cattle from disease-carrying pests [FL - edited]
By Jamie Groh
Univ. of Florida News
June 11, 2026

The University of Florida announced a $9.5 million estate gift establishing the Carrie W. Earls Mosquito and Pest Eradication in Beef Cattle Fund, supporting work across UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM).

Researchers will focus on improving pest control strategies, reducing disease risks and helping cattle producers limit economic losses, particularly in pest-prone regions like Florida. Across UF/IFAS the funds specifically benefit the UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology.

"This generous gift will allow our veterinary and medical entomologists to accelerate development of new management strategies for a host of pests, including mosquitoes and other biting flies that plague cattle and other livestock," said Andrew Short, professor and chair of the UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology.

At the College of Veterinary Medicine, funds will support the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and CVM's Veterinary Extension.

"We will be able to use these funds from day one to support Florida cattle producers and their herds, especially in light of the resurging threat of the devastating New World screwworm," Short said.

Full text: https://news.ufl.edu/2026/06/95-million-gift/


6. Strategic Realignment of Proposed Chicago College of Veterinary Medicine
University to concentrate veterinary medicine investments in established programs and colleges.
Midwestern.edu
June 10, 2026

Midwestern University has determined not to proceed at this time with plans to establish the proposed Chicago College of Veterinary Medicine at its Downers Grove campus. The University will pause further action related to the proposed program, including additional steps in the accreditation process and related development activities. Going forward, the University will prioritize its focus, scholarship, and investments in this field toward established programs and colleges.

As part of Midwestern University's ongoing evaluation and planning efforts, the University carefully assessed the resources, infrastructure, clinical capacity, and long-term investment necessary to successfully support and sustain a second four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, ensuring continued alignment with the level of excellence the University strives to provide its students.

After careful consideration, the University concluded that the greatest and most lasting impact comes from concentrating its efforts on existing programs and colleges rather than launching a new college in Downers Grove.

"This was a difficult decision given the tremendous dedication and thoughtful planning that have gone into exploring and developing this proposed program," said Joshua Baker, O.D., M.S., President and Chief Executive Officer. "However, we believe this path is in the best long-term interest of the University and our students. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Coretta Cosby Patterson and to the many colleagues who contributed their expertise, time, and care throughout this process. In the months ahead, we will strategically build upon the planning, partnerships, infrastructure, and knowledge developed through these efforts."

Full text: https://www.midwestern.edu/news-stories/strategic-realignment-proposed-chicago-college-veterinary-medicine