Secretary Arthur Joins Joint Committee Meeting to Address New World Screwworm

For more information:
Kirsten Hollansworth, Public Engagement Specialist
kirsten.hollansworth@ag.ok.gov | 405.862.8496

May 14, 2025

Secretary Arthur Joins Joint Committee Meeting to Address New World Screwworm

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur and Oklahoma State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall attended a joint committee meeting today to address New World Screwworm (NWS), a parasitic fly that infests warm-blooded animals, causing severe wounds and complications that can lead to death.

The meeting followed the recent announcement from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to suspend live animal imports through the southern border in response to the potential spread of the parasite.

"We are incredibly appreciative of the new administration at the federal level for taking this issue very, very seriously," Arthur said. "We are very close to this issue geographically, and certainly, because of the strength of the cattle industry here in Oklahoma."

Arthur also expressed appreciation for the joint meeting between the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee and House Agriculture Committee, which provided an opportunity to update legislative leaders.

Hall discussed movement regulations, treatment and educating livestock owners on preventative care.

"We believe that education and outreach to the public are critical as we prepare for the possible introduction of screwworm in the U.S.," said Hall. "If these parasites are found in Texas, we will increase surveillance and work with producers to conduct sampling. Our goal is to increase awareness as this moves closer to the border."

NWS has been recently detected in remote farms in Mexico, about 700 miles away from the U.S. border.

"For the movement of livestock, 700 miles is not a long way," said Sen. Casey Murdock, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee. "We've got to stay vigilant."

Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, said he is encouraged by the proactive approach Oklahoma is taking on this issue.

"The livestock industry is a vital part of our state's economy," Patzkowsky said. "We have to take any threat to animal health very seriously."

Despite the potential threat to livestock, leaders assure consumers that meat remains safe for consumption.

For more information, contact Kirsten Hollansworth at kirsten.hollansworth@ag.ok.gov.

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