'New World Screwworm Awareness and Preparedness’ webinar scheduled for July 2
June 23, 2026
By Sarah Cato
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- UADA webinar to address animal, public health concerns about New World screwworm
- Webinar will be held July 2 at 11:30 a.m.
- Registration available online
(326 words)
Download photo of screwworm fly, webinar flyer
LITTLE ROCK — Following the confirmation of New World screwworm in a Texas calf, a July 2 webinar hosted by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture will address concerns about animal and public health.
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly with larvae that can infest livestock, pets, wildlife and on rare occasions, humans. It was detected in cattle in the U.S. for the first time in decades on June 3 of this year. To date, there have been no confirmed cases reported in Arkansas.
“This pest is a danger to all livestock,” said Kirsten Midkiff, extension animal health specialist for the Division of Agriculture. “We hear a lot about it relating to cattle because of the economic losses, but it can affect any warm-blooded mammal.”
Because of the broad potential impact of the New World screwworm, Midkiff is bringing in specialists from the Division of Agriculture, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to discuss the potential ramifications of New World screwworm and prevention methods.
“This webinar will be for all Arkansans — livestock owners, pet owners, veterinarians and the public — to understand the history of the screwworm, identification and prevention strategies, and the economic implications for ranchers,” Midkiff said.
Speakers for the webinar include:
- Andrew Fidler, Arkansas State Veterinarian
- Melissa Clegg, USDA area veterinarian in charge
- Kelly Loftin, Division of Agriculture extension entomologist
- Kirsten Midkiff, Division of Agriculture extension animal health specialist
- James Mitchell, Division of Agriculture extension livestock economist
- Dustan Clark, Division of Agriculture extension poultry specialist
The webinar will be free to attend and will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 2. Those interested should register online.
Suspected cases of New World screwworm should be reported immediately to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture through their online reporting tool. For more information on New World screwworm, signs of infestation and prevention methods, visit uaex.uada.edu/screwworm.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Kirsten Midkiff at 337-375-2915 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
# # #