Episode Overview

Title: New World Screwworm Facility Announced As Asian Longhorned Tick Reaches Iowa
Podcast: Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast
Hosts: Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca “BEC” Wanner, Tigger & BEC
Date: June 27, 2025

This episode delivers a concise yet critical update on significant threats facing American livestock: the renewed risk of New World Screwworm infestations and the first appearance of the Asian Longhorned Tick in Iowa. The hosts break down crucial biosecurity news, immediate responses, and what producers need to know to protect their herds. The tone is urgent and informative, aiming to arm ranchers and rural communities with actionable knowledge.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking: New World Screwworm Facility Announced

[00:55-03:00]

• Announcement:
  U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rawlins announced that a new Sterile Fly Dispersal facility will be constructed at Moore Airfield Base, South Texas.

• Purpose:
  The $8.5 million facility is designed to shore up USDA capability to "detect, control, and eliminate" the New World Screwworm pest, a longstanding threat.

• Background on the Threat:

  • New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) whose larvae infest wounds in warm-blooded animals, often leading to severe harm or death.
  • The pest was eradicated in the US by 1982, but recent cases near the southern border have sparked renewed concern.
  • Recent Incidents:
    • May 11: Imports of live cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico halted after the pest was found within 700 miles of the U.S. border.
    • November 2024: First case found in southern Mexico, triggering border closure; the border later re-opened in February 2025.

• Current & Future Biosecurity Strategy:

  • The U.S. relies on a Panama-based facility (with the Panamanian government) to produce ~100 million sterile flies weekly.
  • USDA projects eradication efforts may soon require "400 to 500 million flies weekly" (highlighting domestic capacity needs).

• Host Insight:

  “We’ve talked about it a lot on these shows. It lays eggs in wounds of warm-blooded animals and larvae feed on live tissue, causing severe harm or even death.”
  — Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt [01:22]

2. Emergence of Asian Longhorned Tick in Iowa

[03:00-04:30]

• Urgent Update:
  The Asian Longhorned Tick has now been identified for the first time in Van Buren County, southeastern Iowa.

• Risks:

  • This tick species transmits a protozoan parasite affecting red and white blood cells, leading to bovine infectious anemia.

• Management and Biosecurity Recommendations:

  • There are currently "no approved treatments" in the U.S. for the disease.
  • Prevention measures focus on effective tick control and "proper biosecurity to prevent bloodborne spread between livestock."

• Further Resources:
  Up-to-date details available at ranchitupshow.com.

• Host Takeaway:

  “The best way to protect livestock is through tick control methods and proper biosecurity to prevent bloodborne spread between livestock.”
  — Rebecca “BEC” Wanner [04:12]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Intensified Biosecurity Measures:

  “USDA estimates future eradication efforts may require 400 to 500 million flies weekly. Underscoring the need for increased domestic capacity.”
  — Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt [02:45]

• On Immediate Livestock Actions:

  “Imports of live cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico were halted when the pest was found within 700 miles of the US border.”
  — Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt [01:35]

• On Tick Control:

  “There are no approved treatments… the best way to protect livestock is through tick control methods and proper biosecurity…”
  — Rebecca “BEC” Wanner [04:12]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:55 – Introduction to new USDA screwworm facility announcement
• 01:22 – Explanation of New World Screwworm threat
• 01:35 – Border import halt recap
• 02:45 – Discussion on sterile fly production demands
• 03:00 – Asian Longhorned Tick confirmed in Iowa
• 04:12 – Prevention advice for producers
• 04:30 – Reference to more details online

Episode Summary

In this fast-moving episode, Tigger & BEC update ranchers on the U.S. response to two growing livestock threats: New World Screwworm and the Asian Longhorned Tick. The announcement of a new sterile fly facility in Texas signals a major federal investment in biosecurity. At the same time, the spread of the Asian Longhorned Tick into Iowa puts a focus on disease management and prevention. The hosts underscore that vigilance is key and encourage listeners to take proactive steps, access resources, and watch for official updates as the situation evolves.

For more information and continuous updates, visit ranchitupshow.com.