RAYMONDVILLE, Texas - A meeting to discuss a number of ranch related topics will be held next week in Raymondville.
Anyone interested to attend it can register now.
The meeting is being hosted by Prairie View A&M University and will be held at the Willacy County Livestock Showgrounds at 10520 Business 77, just to the south of Raymondville.
Topics will include an update of the potentially devastating New World Screwworm that could impact the multibillion dollar cattle industry, forage quality and winter feeding, among others.
The screwworm has not been detected in Texas but the first case was recently reported in Sabinas Hidalgo, a city in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon.
State Rep. Terry Canales told the Rio Grande Guardian that the screwworm threat is currently his No. 1 legislative issue.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New World screwworm infestation occurs when NWS fly larvae (Cochliomyia hominivorax) infest the tissue or flesh of warm-blooded animals and people.
“Screwworm flies are attracted to and lay eggs on and in open wounds. NWS does not regularly occur or spread in the United States. The parasite is typically found in South America and the Caribbean, although Mexico and countries in Central America are reporting cases in animals and people,” CDC says.
“If you travel to areas where the flies are present, have an open wound, spend time among livestock animals, or sleep outdoors, you may be at greater risk of becoming infested with NWS.”
For more information about the Prairie View meeting, contact Rolando Zamora at 956-689-2412.
