New World Screwworm Confirmed in Texas: What Sheep Producers Need to Know
On June 3, 2026, USDA APHIS confirmed the detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in a calf in South Texas.
ASI has been engaged with USDA on this issue and will continue to represent the interests of sheep producers as the situation develops. “This is a serious animal health threat, not a food safety issue,” said ASI Executive Director Mike Michener. “ASI supports an immediate, coordinated response from USDA to contain and eradicate New World screwworm before it can further impact U.S. sheep producers.”
What Is It?
NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, causing serious and potentially fatal damage if untreated. Sheep are among the species at risk.
Know the Signs:
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following:
- Foul-smelling wounds with visible maggots
- Wounds that enlarge rapidly for no clear reason
- Animals biting or licking at wounds, or showing unusual restlessness
- Drainage from cuts, or lesions around the navel, ears, nose, eyes, or genitalia
- Reduced appetite, fever, or signs of secondary infection
What You Can Do Now:
- Inspect animals frequently, especially newborns — dip navels and pay close attention to body openings
- Treat any open wound or scratch promptly, even minor ones
- Talk to your veterinarian about treatment options — FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorizations covering sheep for both injectable and topical treatments
“Sheep producers should be keeping a close eye on their animals right now — especially lambs and any animals with fresh wounds. Early detection, reporting, and working with your veterinarian to provide treatment gives us the best chance at stopping this pest.” — Dr. Rosie Busch, ASI Animal Health Committee Co-Chair
To Report a Suspected Case:
Contact your state veterinarian’s office or USDA area veterinarian immediately.
USDA-Funded Reverse Trade Mission Highlights Strong Global Demand for American Wool
This week in Nevada, ASI hosted a successful Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) that brought together American wool exporters and major buyers from China to strengthen commercial relationships, sell American wool, and expand opportunities for U.S. wool producers.
Funded by USDA/Foreign Ag Service through the Market Access Program (MAP), the RTM provided continued evidence of strong international demand for American wool. During the event, ASI helped facilitate the sale of approximately 560,000 pounds of U.S. greasy wool to Chinese buyers—a significant commercial outcome that directly benefits American sheep producers.
Participating buyers emphasized the versatility, consistency, and reliability of American wool, while discussions reinforced the importance of maintaining competitive access to international markets, particularly for wool types with limited domestic processing capacity.
RTM’s allow international buyers to to learn about American wool, meet directly with U.S. exporters, and create real-world sales opportunities for American wool. ASI appreciates USDA/FAS support through MAP and remains committed to expanding export opportunities that strengthen demand for American wool and support sheep producers across the country.
New ASI Research Update Podcast: Flushing Ewes: Nutrition and Reproductive Success
ASI’s monthly Research Update podcast features Dr. Richard Ehrhardt of Michigan State University discussing flushing and reproductive nutrition in sheep production systems. In this episode, listeners will learn how nutrition before breeding influences ovulation rate, lambing percentage, and overall flock productivity. Dr. Ehrhardt shares practical recommendations on body condition, feeding strategies, and managing higher litter sizes to help producers improve reproductive performance and profitability.
2026 ASI Photo Contest: Entries Now Being Accepted
The 2026 ASI Photo Contest is now open, and ASI is once again inviting farmers, ranchers, and photographers to share images that showcase the sheep industry. Before submitting your entries, be sure to review the updated categories for 2026. Winning photographs will be featured in the September issue of American Sheep Magazine and may be used in future ASI publications and promotional materials.
Lamb Prices Off to a Strong Start in 2026
Good news for U.S. sheep producers heading into summer. National negotiated live slaughter lamb prices averaged $262.40/cwt. in April — up 53% from the same period last year and well above the five-year average. Historical patterns suggest prices may not yet have peaked, as lamb typically reaches its highest point in summer months.
Record-high beef prices are prompting consumers to explore alternative proteins, and lamb is benefiting. But this isn’t just a substitution story. Lamb demand in 2025 ranked fourth this century, with consumers increasing per capita consumption while simultaneously paying more for the product — a sign of genuine, sustained demand growth. U.S. lamb exports also surged 38% year-over-year in 2025, adding another layer of strength to the market. The overall outlook for the remainder of 2026 remains positive for producers.
ASI is working year-round to advance producer priorities across the country. Here’s what’s happening, what it means, and what’s next.
ARS Opens Livestock and Insect Research Facility
On Wednesday, May 27, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced USDA’s Agricultural Research Service’s grand opening of the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, Texas. This new state-of-the-art facility is aimed at combating invasive pests that threaten the U.S. cattle industry. The new laboratory will focus on developing advanced technologies and research tools to manage and eliminate fly and tick species, including the New World screwworm. The 52,000-square-foot facility will support a range of research efforts including improved surveillance and pest control methods, genomics, pesticide innovation, and more.
American Lamb Board Reached Millions Through 2026 SAVEUR Partnership
In spring 2026, the American Lamb Board (ALB) partnered with SAVEUR, an independently owned media company specializing in global food, on a multi-channel campaign designed to increase awareness, educate consumers, and inspire more at-home cooking with American lamb …Read More Here.
Your weekly snapshot of key market rates and reports (U.S. and global) to help you stay ahead of pricing and demand shifts.
Wool Prices Continue to Rise
Following last week’s gains and seven-year high, the EMI continued to rise this week amid strong buyer competition and limited wool offerings in Australia. All microns posted increases, ranging from $0.05 to $0.18 per pound clean basis.
About the EMI: The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) is the key benchmark index of Australian wool auction prices and is widely used as a global wool market indicator.
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USDA Weekly Sheep, Lamb, & Wool Market Summary
The report is generally updated on Friday afternoon.