New World Screwworm with USDA's Dr. Rosemary Sifford

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This month we sat down with Dr. Rosemary Sifford - Deputy Administrator and Chief Veterinary Officer for USDA-APHIS to discuss a zoonotic health threat that is creeping closer to the United States: New World Screwworm. Dr. Sifford explains what New World Screwworm is, why it is a threat to US livestock, and what veterinarians should do if they suspect they are dealing with an infected animal. Veterinarians play a key role in surveillance for diseases such as NWS and early reporting is imperative. 

*Note: There are no known cases of NWS in livestock in the US as of the publication of this podcast.*

To learn more about New World Screwworm, visit the USDA-APHIS website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ticks/screwworm

For updates on the current outbreak in Mexico and Central America, visit the USDA website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ticks/screwworm/outbreak-central-america

For veterinarians who need help identifying their State Animal Health Official, visit the US Animal Health Association website: https://usaha.org/saho/

To review the USDA fact sheet on NWS for veterinarians, follow this link: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/factsheet-nws-private-veterinarians.pdf

To complete the NWS module for veterinarians, visit the NAVP Training Module website and complete Module 41: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/nvap/training-modules#:~:text=Module%2041:%20New%20World%20Screwworm,not%20play%20on%20mobile%20devices

To watch the USDA webinar on NWS for veterinarians and animal health officials, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxPTfFPxlIk

For insights on treatment options (not prevention) visit the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/new-world-screwworm-information-veterinarians

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