Ep. 121: New World Screwworm – How It Spreads, What to Watch For & How to Protect Your Horse and Other Livestock

**Statistics provided by Dr. Kaufman during this episode were as of the end of July 2026** On this episode of the Beyond the Barn podcast, host Katy Starr has a conversation with two experts who bring different, and equally important, perspectives to this growing concern. Dr. Phillip Kaufman, Professor and Head of the Texas A&M University Department of Entomology and Chair of the Texas A&M AgriLife New World Screwworm Task Force, explains the biology behind this destructive fly, how it spreads, what really puts animals at risk, and where hay and forage fit into the conversation. Then, Equine Veterinarian Dr. Neil Gray shares firsthand experience treating New World Screwworm in horses throughout Central and South America, including what these infestations can actually look like, and the signs owners may easily overlook. In this episode you’ll learn: Why this fly is so different from the maggots you may have encountered before and what makes it so destructiveWhat should happen if you discover suspicious larvae in a wound, and why what you do next mattersDoes hay, standing forage, or transported forage create any risk in New World Screwworm transmission? Whether you own horses, cattle, sheep, goats, or other livestock (even dogs!), this episode will help you better understand New World Screwworm, separate fact from misinformation, and know what you can do to protect your animals. 🎧 Listen now on the Beyond the Barn podcast Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected] ______________________________ Keep up with Dr. Kaufman and up-to-date information about New World Screwworm:Texas A&M AgriLife Extension New World Screwworm WebsiteUSDA APHIS Screwworm WebsiteAAEP Infectious Disease Guidelines: New World ScrewwormNew World Screwworm: Prevention and Treatment Options Keep up with Dr. Gray and the Equitarian Initiative:Equitarian Initiative WebsiteFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/EquitarianInitiative/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/equitarianinitiative/  ______________________________ *Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.* _______________________________ Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/.../beyond-the-barn/id1541221306Leave a rating on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/3dmftQmwLKDQNueUcCJBZaHave a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected] our podcast and learn more about our hosts at our Beyond the Barn podcast pageSUBSCRIBE to the Beyond the Barn podcast email to be an exclusive insider!Find us on Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE, so you never miss an episode._______________________________Check out the Standlee Barn Bulletin BlogFind more nutritional resources from our PhD equine nutritionists at https://www.standleeforage.com/nutrition/ Connect with Standlee on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok