The malicious article had a substantial negative effect on CME Cattle Futures on Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, May 27th, markets reacted to a report from a radio station website that the New World Screwworm was detected in Missouri. The news was included in brokerage market reports and spread like wildfire. However, approximately 30 minutes later, the article was pulled from the website and only an AI reference to the report remained. By the end of the day, state government officials said the rumor was unfounded.
The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association posted on their social media:
“We have received numerous calls over media reports alleging the New World Screwworm was detected in Missouri. Careless reporting (#fakenews) based on unfounded rumors has resulted in unnecessary alarm within our industry.”
The Missouri Department of Agriculture issued the following statement:
"Unfounded rumors are circulating regarding New World Screwworm in Missouri. To date, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has received no notification of New World Screwworm detection in Missouri. Missouri Department of Agriculture works closely with USDA on animal health issues.
"Any outlets publishing articles containing false or unfounded information are asked to remove the erroneous information immediately.”
