By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Get your info straight from the experts….Now is your chance to speak directly with experts on both of the most pressing agriculture issues including Screwworms and Mealybugs.
Local ranchers and farmers are encouraged to attend the local program on Tuesday, June 23 at the Medina County Fair Hall at 9 am where experts will address and give guidance on both issuess, said Medina County’s Ag Extension agent Taryn Titsworth.
Local rancher shares his experience….
Local rancher Lynn Archie, 70 of Devine, was about 16 years old when one of the last outbreaks happened. His grandfather was an ag agent in LaSalle at the time.
“I remember we had these little tubes and we would take a sample and send it in, and if it was positive, they would drop boxes of sterile flies in that area,” Archie said.
Reporting cases will be one of the #1 game changers, he said.
“A lot of people are scared to report it, but that’s the first thing we need to do…the worst thing you can do is not report it,” Archie said, recalling in all of 15 or so cases he remembers, they didn’t lose any of livestock, because they were quickly doctored and reported to stop the spread.
Compared to the widespread outbreak in the 60s, Archie recalls a smaller one that cropped up in the 70s, mainly along the Nueces River, he said.
“I look at it through a different pair of glasses,” Archie said, “Only time will tell how it will go, but it is curable.”
“I think we need to respect it,” Archie said, “and keep watch on our animals, especially newborns and those with cuts and abrasions, but don’t freak out. We need to concentrate on the things we know will help, like reporting. With all of the technology we have, I think we are gonna get a good handle on it.”
With less cattle ranches and so many raising deer for hunting ranches, he sees wildlife being our biggest spreaders.
“If it does get out of hand, I think it will be the wildlife that it’s going to take the biggest toll on. They will be the spreaders I think, but I have already heard about some of the feed stores adding medicine like Ivermectin to wildlife feed, so that will help. I hope they can get a handle on it,and I think they will.”
MORE INFO on the Meeting
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are creating a whole other battle for local farmers and ranchers. Mealybugs which have been found in Medina County and several surrounding counties, pose a huge threat to grass needed to sustain livestock.
“When you start losing your native grasses, that’s what really concerns me,” Titsworth said in a short phone interview.
When it comes to how they attack forage, Titsworth explained, Mealybugs either kill it or they really, really hurt it. “Unlike some of the other insects that ingest it, Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects and have a toxic saliva that kills or stunts the plant. They have been found as deep as 3 feet in the dirt.”
Look for fluffy white, waxy or “fuzzy” insects. Size wise, they are anywhere from 1/20 to 1/5 of an inch.
When it comes to the New World Screwworm, Titsworth explained there are several products you can spray on open wounds to provide protection for a few days, to repel New World Screwworm flies.
“Check your cattle and livestock daily,” Titsworth warned. “If you suspect one of your animals has a screwworm infection, contact the County Extension office or your vet right away. If you catch it early enough, it’ll probably be okay.”
But for those left untreated, the consequences are deadly.
You can look for products containing permethrin such as Durvet Screw Worm Aerosol, Catron IV, and ProZap Screw Worm Ear Tick Aerosol.
The program from 9-Noon will be followed by a luncheon, and it will cover three topics:
Maximizing Herd Profitability (9am)
Mealy Bugs (10 am)
New World Screw Worms (11am)
Luncheon at Noon
The program is now free and includes a meal. To register contact the Medina County Ag Extension office at 830-741-6180 or you can email taryn.titsworth@ag.tamu.edu for questions.
