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Two screwworms on green leaves

Understanding New World Screwworm

Recent news about the parasite has raised questions for animal owners and producers. Here’s what North Carolinians should know.

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Along with world-class care and instruction, NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine leads in research and discovery — applying emerging insights to create a healthier world for animals and humans alike.

Dr. Victor Rivas works in a lab on the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine campus.

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❤️ We love it when we have an opportunity to serve the state! ❤️

4-H program assistant Bailey Hamm, who is charged with preparing her Wayne County club members for the statewide skillathon, livestock judging and quiz bowl coming up in July, had a thought outside the barn.

Why not take the kids to the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine's working campus farm for some hands-on and ears-tuned education? 🐷🐮🐥

"I wanted to put together a fun day trip so they could get some educational insight in a fun interactive type of way to maybe help them retain some of the things they are learning for contests they participate in," Hamm said in an email to the college. "I always try to include fun tours and trips throughout the contest season for them."

Dr. Allison West, clinical veterinarian for college's Teaching Animal Unit and Reedy Creek Equine Farm, met Hamm and her troop at the college's new dairy barn and then took them through the pigs, goats and beef cows, explaining the care and the life path for each animal.

NC State University actually supports the state's 4-H groups 🍀in other ways, participating in a strategic partnership called the N.C. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The other partners are NC A&T State University and federal, state and local governments.

"The day was everything I hoped it would be," Hamm said. "And more."🥰
Start grabbing a few gallons of water every grocery store trip — or more if you own horses — and getting those animal carriers, rigs and trailers in shape: Hurricane season 2026 has arrived.☂️

The good news is that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting below-normal activity in the Atlantic this year, with a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season and a 55% chance of a below-normal season. 🔆

Here are a few things you can take care of now:

🐴 Get vaccinations, worming and hoof care up-to-date.
🐕 Make sure your dog’s collar has an ID and keep an extra leash near the pet carrier so you don’t have to find it.
🐈 If you don’t have a carrier, get one or store away a simple cardboard box. A common reason people get caught in bad weather is because they do not have carriers for cats.

✅ Let's be weather-wise before the worries start!