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That gave time to advocate and educate ranchers in South Texas about the importance of surveillance and reporting. So when the first NWS infestation was discovered, the ranch reported it immediately, the plan kicked into action, and sterile screwworm dispersion took place almost immediately.

And that made the difference, Diebel said. As of this writing, there were 41 inactive cases and only four active cases. The reason those numbers are that low is because the index ranch did the right thing by reporting the infestation promptly.

To that end, Diebel is confident that as more sterile pupae production ramps up, along with cooler winter weather this year, additional active cases will be kept in check and ultimately, the battle with screwworms will be won.

“ We’ re going to have to deal with it for a while until we get those sterile insects to a level we need,” Dr. Herman said.“ But we’ ll be able to push it back.”

Technology

Beef production has always been based on science and, with recent advances in technology, cattle management has

entered an exciting new era. That’ s particularly true when it comes to animal health. Because they are prey animals, cattle will hide signs of sickness when humans are around. Left alone, however, they will drop their guard.

Using technology that monitors the behavior and location of cattle in a pasture, ranchers can detect possible animal health issues and respond earlier than has been possible in the past. That’ s critical in finding, reporting, treating and mitigating animal health issues like tick and screwworm infestations.

Virtual fencing gives producers new options. This technology has many uses in pasture management, not the least of which is fencing off parts of a pasture that may be extra potent with pests. Given that Asian longhorned ticks, for example, prefer tree lines and taller forage, fencing cattle away from areas where ticks are more apt to live can help manage and mitigate infestations.

The thing about new technology is it never stands still. It won’ t replace a horse or four-wheeler and a discerning set of eyeballs, but it’ s a sure bet that what’ s available now will only get better. As that happens, cattle management will only get better, too.

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18 NATIONAL CATTLEMEN DIRECTIONS 2026