A confirmed case of New World screwworm in South Texas and a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Idaho are putting the U.S. livestock and dairy sectors back on high alert.
The immediate catalyst for market anxiety came after the USDA confirmed at least one case of the flesh-eating parasite in a beef calf in South Texas, following suspected infestations. While the affected region is far from the state’s primary milk-producing zones, the pest’s ability to migrate has sent jitters through traders.
During an interview with Mid-West Farm Report, Collin Aardema, a dairy analyst with EverAg, notes that the news has already rattled investors.
“The market is definitely scared about it right now,” he says, adding that there shouldn’t be any immediate impacts on milk supply. “Most of the milk that is produced in Texas is in the panhandle. So, you know, not totally, entirely a lot to worry about right now in terms of milk production flow.”
Meanwhile, a more familiar threat is reappearing in the Pacific Northwest. Idaho has at least 15 confirmed cases of avian influenza. According to Aardema, the virus is behaving differently during this wave, creating new puzzles for producers on the ground.
“The main concern is just from the calves side of it,” Aardema explains, pointing out that younger animals are unexpectedly bearing the brunt of the recent infections. “Because they think that, with the cows that had it, maybe a year or two years ago, why are these calves getting it? So that’s been a big question mark for them, because, they think that they’re already immune to it.”
Despite the calf infections, producers report that the virus is only sidelining the animals for about a week to 10 days without severely crippling overall milk volumes. Major regional processors, including Glanbia, are actively detecting the virus and reinstating strict safety protocols.
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