Ames, Iowa – The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) will host a critical webinar, “New World Screwworm: A One-Health Perspective,” on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. CST. The webinar is a collaborative effort that brings together the Animal Health Institute (AHI), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), and the National Pork Board.
New World Screwworm outbreaks pose significant threats to animal health, human health, the U.S. food supply, and the broader economy. The parasite, which infests wounds in warm-blooded animals including livestock, wildlife, pets, and humans, represents a preventable and treatable challenge that requires coordinated action across multiple sectors.
A One Health Perspective
The webinar demonstrates the One Health approach in action, featuring experts from animal health, public health, and agricultural sectors. Participants will learn how farmers, ranchers, pet owners, veterinarians, and regulators must work together to protect animals and the industry.
Featured Speakers:
- Phil Kaufman, Ph.D. – Texas A&M University (Introduction)
- Julia Herman – National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (Moderator)
- Megin Nichols – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Lynne Acebey, D.V.M. – American Veterinary Medical Association
- Michael Schmoyer – USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
The program will cover:
- Current medication approaches, including medicines with larvicidal activity, systemic anti-parasite drugs, and antibacterial/anti-inflammatory drugs
- Integrated prevention strategies: wound care, surveillance, insect/pesticide control, and sterile insect technologies
- Regulatory tools for rapid emergency response: Conditional Approval, Emergency Use Authorization, and Emergency Exemptions
- Protocols for importation of cattle, bison, and horses into the United States from countries where screwworm is present
- Species-specific systemic medication with larvicidal activity for pets
- Quarantine and treatment requirements for infested animals
Who Should Attend:
This webinar is essential for livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health professionals, pet owners in affected regions, regulatory officials, and anyone involved in animal agriculture or animal health policy.
Registration: https://streamyard.com/watch/kr9TJwpmwepn
MEDIA CONTACT:
Carlos Back Vianna
Director of Marketing & Communications
Office: 515-766-5483 | Mobile: 515-509-7790
2625 N Loop Dr – Suite 2610 | Ames, IA 50010
