Calgary Stampede says screwworm situation shouldn’t impact programming

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Calgary, AB (Rural Roots Canada) – The Calgary Stampede says it doesn’t anticipate any disruptions to its Western Events programming due to the screwworm situation in Texas.

Last week, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) temporarily banned livestock from Texas after two confirmed cases of New World screwworm were found in two calves in the southern U.S. state. It says all livestock, including horses, originating from or present in Texas within 21 days before crossing the border, will not be accepted into the country.

Since then, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced two more cases in Texas, including a confirmed case in a goat. As well, there’s been a fifth confirmed case in a dog in New Mexico, which the USDA calls an isolated incident. It is the first confirmed case in that state.

Texas has also issued quarantine zones around some parts of the affected counties and neighbouring communities.

In a statement to Rural Roots Canada, the Stampede says it doesn’t expect any interruptions to the Western Events program due to the CFIA’s temporary restrictions.

“Requirements of this nature are common, and competitors travelling into Canada are accustomed to complying with animal health regulations,” it says. “Based on the current restrictions and timelines, we do not anticipate any disruption to Stampede events.”

Concerns are being raised within the rodeo community online. The Stampede is considered one of the most prestigious rodeos in North America and is an invitation-only event for contestants. However, no official statements have been made by any rodeo associations.

The post Calgary Stampede says screwworm situation shouldn’t impact programming first appeared on Rural Roots Canada.