Becker Equine

Becker Equine Becker Equine is an equine veterinary service providing routine & ambulatory specialized care in the states of Texas.

Dr. Modest is also licensed in PA MD, NJ, KY and FL to provide specialized surgical and consulting services across the US & abroad.

06/05/2026

WHAT HORSE OWNERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NEW WORLD SCREWWORM

Recent reports of New World Screwworm (NWS) have raised concerns following confirmed detection in Zavala County, Texas. While the current risk in the US remains very low, understanding the facts can help horse owners stay informed and prepared.

What is New World Screwworm?
New World Screwworm is a fly whose larvae (maggots) feed on living tissue in warm-blooded animals. Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, wildlife, pets, and even humans can be affected.

Common Signs of Infection
• Maggots or white egg masses in wounds
• Infestations around the eyes, ears, nostrils, genitalia, or umbilicus of newborns
• Foul odor from a wound
• Pain, depression, decreased appetite, or isolation from herd mates

❌ Myth: All maggots found in a wound are New World Screwworm.
✅ Fact: Many fly species can cause maggot infestations. Laboratory identification is required to determine if New World Screwworm is present.

❌ Myth: New World Screwworm spreads directly from horse to horse.
✅ Fact: NWS is not contagious. Infestations occur when an adult fly lays eggs in a wound or body opening.

❌ Myth: One infected animal crossing the border will cause a nationwide outbreak.
✅ Fact: USDA maintains extensive surveillance, trapping programs, border inspections, and rapid response protocols designed to detect and contain any cases quickly.
What Horse Owners Can Do
✔ Inspect horses regularly for wounds
✔ Clean and treat wounds promptly
✔ Monitor healing closely
✔ Contact your veterinarian if you observe maggots, unusual wound appearance, or foul odor
✔ Practice good fly control throughout the year

At BE we encourage horse owners to remain vigilant but not alarmed. Early detection and prompt treatment are key! Resources : USDA Map of Current Outbreak: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/current-status?page=1 and AAEP Alert to Equine Practitioners: New World Screwworm Enters the United States:https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alert-to-Equine-Practitioners-FINAL.pdf

02/19/2026

Have you ever wanted to have your horse scoped after a run?

Becker Equine will be set up at tonight’s race scoping horses after their run and taking care of anything else you may need. This is a great opportunity to check your horse’s airway and lungs and make sure they’re feeling their best.

Be sure to contact them directly to schedule your appointment:
📞 936-931-4478

Don’t miss out on the chance to get answers and keep your horse performing at their best! 🐎

11/19/2025

🎁🐴 Drafting your gift list? Give the horse enthusiast in your life the gift of knowledge with our online certificate courses!

Our Equine Biosecurity course is the perfect way for caretakers to learn about protecting the health of their horses at home and on the road. The course covers:
🔹 Understanding infectious diseases
🔹 Biosecurity practices at home and at events
🔹 The economics of practical biosecurity
🔹 How to develop a tailored biosecurity plan for your operation

👉 For more info and to register, visit z.umn.edu/horseevents

⚠️ Texas EHV Cases: What Horse Owners Need to KnowThere is a confirmed exposure risk for horses that attended the WPRA F...
11/19/2025

⚠️ Texas EHV Cases: What Horse Owners Need to Know

There is a confirmed exposure risk for horses that attended the WPRA Finals November 5th-9th or the 377 Arena on November 15th- 16th. If your horse was at either location call your veterinary to discuss quarantine action.

Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) is highly contagious- now is the time to stay informed and proactive. Vaccination can decrease symptoms and shedding of this virus but does not prevent this disease or its incubation. If you have had an exposed horse do not vaccinate until cleared with your veterinary and remain in quarantine for at least 14 days.

🔍 Early Signs to Watch For
• Fever – often the earliest indicator (check temperatures twice daily)
• Lethargy / decreased appetite
• Nasal discharge or cough
• Incoordination, hind-end weakness, stumbling
• Urine dribbling or inability to urinate
• Tail weakness

If any neurologic signs appear, consider this an emergency and contact your veterinarian immediately.

🦠 How EHV Spreads
EHV spreads through:
• Direct horse-to-horse contact
• Respiratory droplets
• Contaminated tack, buckets, grooming tools
• Human hands and clothing
• Airflow within barns (short distances)

🛡️ Prevention & Biosecurity
• Isolate any horse with fever or respiratory signs
• Temperature checks twice daily for all horses during an outbreak
• Separate equipment (lead ropes, feed buckets, grooming tools)
• Limit movement on/off property; postpone hauling and high risk events if possible
• Disinfect stalls, trailers, and shared equipment regularly
• Wash hands & change clothes between groups of horses
• Vaccinate routinely — while vaccines don’t prevent neurologic EHM, they reduce viral shedding and respiratory disease.
• Quarantine new arrivals for 14–21 days

𝗔𝗔𝗘𝗣 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀
https://aaep.org/resource/aaep-infectious-disease-guidelines-equine-herpesvirus-1-4/

📞 When in Doubt — Call
Know your horses vaccination status and remember rapid response limits spread. If your horse spikes a fever or seems “off,” regardless of their vaccination status early testing and isolation make all the difference.

We have seen ZERO cases at BE but in an abundance of caution we have enacted our additional biosecurity protocols for your horses safety. Please see front office to check in before unloading appointments at this time.

Stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep your herd safe.

Address

Navasota, TX

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Becker Equine posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Becker Equine:

Shortcuts

Share

Category