Federal officials in the US maintain the closure of Mexican trade

REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- New World screwworm (NWS) has led to a closure of live cattle imports from Mexico to the U.S., but veterinarians and entomologists say it is important to stay aware and prevent the insects from entering the country. "In my honest opinion, the good news is NWS was found at Mexico's southern border, so it's a substantial distance from the U.S.," said Robin Pruisner, Iowa's state entomologist. "When found in the U.S., the USDA considers something that must be eradicated to protect American agriculture as well as human health, so producers will not have to take action as the USDA would work to eradicate the insect." CONTACT VETERINARIAN IF DISEASE IS SUSPECTED As with any disease that causes distress in U.S. livestock herds, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) stresses the importance of contacting the herd veterinarian if a disease is suspected. According to APHIS, screwworm refers to the maggot's feeding behavior as they burrow into wounds, ...