When it comes to protecting South Carolina’s livestock and wildlife, preparation is everything.
That’s why Clemson Livestock Poultry Health (CULPH) recently brought together animal health professionals from across the state for a hands-on New World screwworm sampling workshop. Held July 24 in partnership with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services, the training focused on one goal: making sure the right people know exactly what to do if New World screwworm is ever detected in South Carolina.
Thirty-six participants representing Clemson Livestock Poultry Health, USDA Veterinary Services, USDA Wildlife Services and the Clemson Extension Livestock and Forages Team spent the day learning from experts, working through realistic scenarios and practicing the skills needed to recognize, collect and submit samples.
The morning sessions covered the biology and lifecycle of New World screwworm, trapping methods and submission procedures before participants broke into small groups to tackle real-world response scenarios. In the afternoon, the classroom moved outdoors as attendees practiced sample collection techniques and examined specimens under microscopes.
For Elizabeth Baxter, a Livestock Law Enforcement Officer with Clemson Livestock Poultry Health, the collaborative nature of the workshop stood out.
“As a field inspector, I appreciated the scenario-based exercises,” Baxter said. “With personnel from domestic animal, wildlife and entomology backgrounds all working together, we were able to talk through challenges and solutions in real time. Everyone left better prepared to respond and protect animal health, public service and continuity of business should South Carolina ever encounter a New World screwworm infestation.”
Natasha Lamens, an epidemiologist with Clemson Livestock Poultry Health, said the hands-on activities helped connect classroom concepts with real-world response.
“The training was both informative and valuable,” she said. “It reinforced the importance of early detection, and the outdoor trapping and sample collection activities were especially beneficial. Comparing collected larvae with New World screwworm specimens under the microscope helped connect epidemiological concepts with real-world surveillance, field response and preparedness.”
Workshops like this are an important part of South Carolina’s preparedness efforts. Building relationships before an emergency occurs helps ensure agencies can work together quickly and effectively if a response is ever needed.
CULPH extends its appreciation to USDA APHIS Veterinary Services, USDA Wildlife Services, Clemson Extension’s Livestock and Forages Team and everyone who participated in making the workshop a success. By investing in training today, South Carolina is better prepared to protect its animals, agricultural industry and natural resources tomorrow.
