Iowa Agriculture Department monitoring screwworm case

AMES, Iowa (KCRG) - The Iowa Department of Agriculture says it’s monitoring the New World screwworm situation that could threaten the nation’s cattle.

This comes as a lab in Ames confirms the parasitic fly was found in a calf from Texas.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says it’s standing by ready to respond, should the flesh-eating pest begin to threaten cattle here in Iowa.

During a round-table discussion this morning, Texas Governor Greg Abbott talked about how fast this fly can spread.

“Whether it be deer or all types of animals that can be easily infected just as a cow can be infected, and through that means and other means, this can spread very rapidly.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says a facility being built in Texas will produce sterile flies that can help eradicate the New World Screwworm.

Meanwhile, Iowa’s Ag department says there’s no food safety risk linked to the pest.

For more information on New World screwworm, visit here.