Latest news with #MissouriDepartmentofAgriculture
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Rumor of parasitic fly in Missouri debunked by Department of Agriculture
ST. LOUIS – Following rumors of an insect being found in Missouri that is deadly to animals, the Missouri Department of Agriculture released a statement debunking the misinformation. The New World Screwworm is a fly that's larvae can settle into the flesh of livestock, pets, wildlife, birds, and others, which is often times deadly to the animal. According to the USDA, they tear out tissue to bury themselves deeper, like a screw, into the animal. As they continue the process, the wounds grow larger and deeper, and are capable of laying more larvae inside. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now On Tuesday, Missouri's Department of Agriculture stated that they had not received any notification from the USDA regarding detection of the New World Screwworm fly, but they are working closely together for any animal health issues. The fly is around the size of a common horsefly, the USA said. They have orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes on their back. An infected animal will display signs of irritated behavior, shaking its head, will smell of decay, and the larvae will be visible in wounds. Anyone who notices these signs with their animal should reach out to their veterinarian, who will then contact the USDA. For additional information on the New World Screwworm fly, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Rumors of devastating pest are unfounded, per MO Department of Agriculture
MISSOURI — Rumors of a devastating pest being in Missouri are unfounded, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA). New World Screwworm (NWS) disease is an infestation with the larvae of the NWS fly that lives off the flesh of living mammals and, less commonly, birds, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This pest burrows into living tissue, causing severe — and sometimes deadly — damage to animals, including livestock and pets, says the MDA. Rumors of NWS being detected in Missouri are circulating but are unfounded, per the MDA. 'Unfounded rumors are circulating regarding NWS in Missouri,' the MDA said in a statement. 'To date, the MDA and the USDA has received no notification of New World Screwworm detection in Missouri. Missouri Department of Agriculture works closely with USDA on animal health issues.' The Missouri Cattlemen's Association shared the statement on social media, noting that the rumors have resulted in unnecessary alarm within the state cattle industry. Globally, however, the issue is persisting. According to the USDA, in the year of 2023, NWS detections in Panama exploded from an average of 25 cases per year to more than 6,500 cases in 1 year. Since then, screwworm has been detected in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Mexico, north of the biological barrier that's successfully contained this pest to South America for decades, per the USDA. Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the suspension of live cattle, horse and bison imports through U.S. ports of entry along the southern border due to the continued and rapid northward spread of NWS in Mexico, effective immediately. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Stockton woman charged with 12 counts of animal abuse
STOCKTON, Mo. — A woman from Stockton faces animal abuse charges over a month after the Humane Society of Missouri rescued 42 dogs and nine cats from her residence. According to online court dockets, Sarah Walborn, born 1989, faces 12 counts of animal abuse — which are all Class A misdemeanors — in Cedar County Circuit Court. According to the affidavit filed publicly on Tuesday, May 13, a Cedar County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputy arrived to Walborn's residence to serve legal papers on March 13. Upon arrival, the deputy was immediately hit by a strong odor reminiscent of a dead animal. Upon further observation, the CCSO deputy noted Walborn had several dogs housed in kennels that lacked proper flooring. The dogs were standing directly on dirt and grass. Some dogs appeared malnourished, and some kennels did not have food or water available for the animals, the affidavit says. The deputy attempted to make contact with Walborn, but found nobody home at the time of the visit. On March 31, the CCSO deputy spoke with a representative from the Missouri Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health. During that conversation, the representative provided the deputy a packet containing documentation of an inspection report of Walborn's residence that the representative conducted on March 28, which detailed similar observations regarding animal's the conditions. A warrant has been issued for Walborn's arrest with a $5,000 cash-only bond. According to previous Ozarks First coverage, the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO) rescued 42 dogs and nine cats from Walborn's Cedar County property last month. The Animal Cruelty Task Force was sent to the facility of a formerly licensed breeder on April 3 to rescue several animals. According to a news release, the animals were seized after being seen in concerning condition by a witness. HSMO says there were multiple dead animals, like horses and deer on site. Dog skeletal remains were also found. The facility was under a formerly licensed breeder operating under the name 'Wynter Knights', and the rescue was made with the help of the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Attorney General's Office. Ozarks First Investigates dug through court documents revealing the State of Missouri took legal action against Walborn in March 2025. Filings allege that since becoming a licensed breeder in February 2024, Walborn violated multiple provisions of the Missouri Animal Care Facilities Act and the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act. The state claims that despite numerous inspections and citations from the Missouri Department of Agriculture, including four visits from June 2024 to February 2025, Walborn did not address the violations and continued to operate under substandard conditions. The April 3 discovery prompted action from the Animal Cruelty Task Force, which was supported by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Attorney General's Office. Corgis, Alaskan Malamutes, and Doodle mixes were among the breeds rescued. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why you may see mice and snakes impaled on Missouri fences
MISSOURI – If you venture along the fence lines of a Missouri farm, you might spot something unusual: Dead mice and snakes impaled on barbed wire. A shocking scene to some, the culprit behind it may surprise you. Mice and snakes stuck on a fence post might look like something out of a horror movie, but in Missouri, it's likely the result of a deceptive predator. None other than a songbird with a killer instinct. The Missouri Department of Conservation urges people to be aware of the loggerhead shrike noting it has the aesthetic of a songbird, but the soul of a 'serial killer.' Robert Prevost elected the first American pope in history The loggerhead strike is quite small, only around 9 inches and 2 ounces on average. It's mostly white with gray and black feathers. It also has a blocky head, thick bill and a sharp hook. Their call is captivating and described as a 'shack-shack,' a mix of of whistles, warbles, and harsh squeaks. While they may appear harmless, shrikes are sometimes called 'butcher birds' or 'birds of prey' for good reason. They feed on mice, snakes, frogs, large insects, and sometimes other small birds. They oftentimes swoop down from a high perch to strike. Then, in a cruel twist, they impale their prey on thorns or barbed wire fences to store it for later. Loggerhead shrikes typically in habitats that include grasslands, prairies, and agricultural fields with scattered shrubs or trees. MDC lists the species as one of 'conservation concern,' due to declining population and habitat loss. They are also just one of two shrikes species in North America. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The sight of impaled animals may seem gruesome, but MDC notes it's a natural survival strategy and important part of the local ecosystems. Shrikes can help regulate prey populations and their presence helps with a healthy, balanced habitat. If you happen to see a loggerhead shrike, do not attempt to approach or disturb it. The bird poses no threat to humans, but interfering with it could carry ecological consequences. If you notice dead animals impaled onto fences or have any questions about such activity, contact the Missouri Department of Conservation or Missouri Department of Agriculture for guidance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Stockton woman ignored animal care violations, State says
STOCKTON, Mo. – Ozarks First Investigates is uncovering additional information about the woman at the center of an animal cruelty investigation and rescue operation in Cedar County, where multiple dead animals, including skeletal remains of dogs, were found. On April 3, the Humane Society of Missouri rescued 42 dogs and nine cats in dire condition from Sarah Walborn's Stockton-based business, Wynter Knights Kennel and Grooming. Ozarks First Investigates dug through court documents revealing the State of Missouri took legal action against Walborn the month prior, in March 2025. Filings allege that since becoming a licensed breeder in February 2024, Walborn violated multiple provisions of the Missouri Animal Care Facilities Act and the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act. Records show violations include, but are not limited to: (1) Failed to provide adequate veterinarian care for several animals under her care (2) Failed to provide adequate shade for animals (3) Failed to provide adequate, clean, dry bedding material (4) Failed to remove excreta or food waste from enclosures daily (5) Failed to properly identify animals being held at the Facility, purchased, boarded, sheltered, or otherwise acquired, sold, released, given away or otherwise disposed of, or removed from the Facility for any reason (6) Failed to maintain required medical records on all animals brought (7) Failed to conduct daily observations of all animals to assess their health and well-being (8) Failed to provide adequate shelter structure for outdoor facilities housing animals USPS updates service standards, impacting mail delivery times The state claims that despite numerous inspections and citations from the Missouri Department of Agriculture, including four visits from June 2024 to February 2025, Walborn did not address the violations and continued to operate under substandard conditions. The April 3 discovery prompted action from the Animal Cruelty Task Force, which was supported by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Attorney General's Office. Corgis, Alaskan Malamutes, and Doodle mixes were among the breeds rescued. 'The severe neglect these poor animals suffered is abhorrent and inexcusable,' said Kathy Warnick, President of the Humane Society of Missouri. 'We will do everything in our power to ensure the rescued dogs and cats are rehabilitated and given a second chance at a happier life.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
