American Sheep Magazine March 2026

MEETING COVERAGE

At a joint session of ASI’s Animal Health and Genet ic Stakeholders Committees, USDA-APHIS veterinarian Dr. Linda Detwiler and USMARC geneticist Dr. Brad Freking tackled the same big question: if the U.S. reaches “scrapie-free” status, how do we stay there? Detwiler emphasized that the last stretch is about continued surveillance, traceability, and producer participa tion, because scrapie is slow-moving and easy to miss with out consistent sampling. Freking focused on the tool that helped get us this far: scrapie-resistant genetics. His message was practical: genetics can reduce risk, but it works best when paired with strong identification and monitoring so the whole industry protects the progress made. SCRAPIE: THE FINISH LINE (AND WHAT COMES NEXT)

2021 SHEEP: Most recent positive detected

2019 GOAT: Most recent positive detected

7yrs 7 years without a classical case is a key benchmark tied to “scrapie free” status

30-40k Annual national surveillance target

If you’re asked to submit samples or update flock ID practices, say yes, and participate promptly.

MEMBER TAKEAWAY:

ANIMAL HEALTH COMMITTEE: PREPAREDNESS, PREVENTION, AND PROGRESS During the ASI Animal Health Committee, producers received a year-in-review on work advancing the committee’s priorities: collabora tion with veterinary organizations, improving shared understanding of HPAI in small ruminants, strengthening FMD preparedness, and con tinuing efforts to expand access to much-needed sheep health products. New World screwworm (NWS) was a priority focus. Dr. Lin da Detwiler (USDA-APHIS) reviewed the current status of NWS in Mexico and the steps underway to prevent the pest from reaching the United States. The takeaway was clear: preparedness matters. Produc ers heard practical guidance on what to watch for and what actions to take if screwworm is suspected. Dr. Wayne Ayers (Elanco) outlined pathways for regulatory emergency-use approvals for potential screwworm treatments and pointed members to reliable resources for ongoing updates, also shared through ASI channels.

"The most important thing you can do about screwworm is to educate yourself using reliable sources. Not Facebook, not Instagram, not TikTok, not social media. For this issue, start with an official site, like screwworm.gov.”

DR. WAYNE AYERS | DVM

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