Screwworm ban could see some Stampede competitors making changes

Shad Mayfield, of Clovis, New Mexico, wins the tie-down roping rodeo final at the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alta., Sunday, July 13, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)

A temporary Canadian ban on Texas livestock, including horses, may force some competitors at the Calgary Stampede to make some unexpected changes on the fly.

The “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” kicks off on July 3. The Stampede rodeo is world-famous and one of the most lucrative in North America, with a total prize purse of $2.17 million.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency implemented the ban this week after an infestation of New World screwworm fly larvae was confirmed in a calf in Texas. It’s the first case confirmed in the state since 1966.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The agency said animals that are from Texas or were present in the state within 21 days of a border crossing will not be allowed into the country.

“I’m just going to go out on a limb and assume that the barrel racers and most of the cowboys for that matter are probably going to have their horses out of Texas and not go back,” said Scott Dorencamp, director of circuits and rodeo administration for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Dorencamp said that might not be possible for all contestants who have no intention of missing Stampede.

“If anything they will probably lease a horse from somebody if they need to. You’d be looking at all the timed events,” he said.

Timed events include steer wrestling, barrel racing and tie-down roping.

“You would like to have your own horse but in a rodeo like Calgary you’re going to get on the best one available that someone will let you on. If you’re fortunate enough to go to Calgary you’re not going to want to miss it.”

Stampede isn’t the only high-profile event involving horses in Calgary. Spruce Meadows will be hosting a series of world-class show jumping events beginning this week running through to September.

“It’s not to be taken lightly but it won’t have any impact on us. Our horses rarely if ever transit through Texas or come from Texas,” said Ian Allison, senior vice-president, sport and media services at Spruce Meadows.

Allison said most U.S. horses coming to Calgary come from the west or east coasts. There are also precautions to make sure horses arriving are fit to compete.

“When horses arrive here part of our standard protocol, whether they’re domestic or international horses, is they go to a bit of a transit lounge we have here and they’re all inspected, temperatures tested and then each week they’re presented to the veterinary commission,” Allison said.

He said Spruce Meadows has had close dealings with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for years.

“In addition to the screwworm, we have over the decades had to deal with equine and viral herpes and West Nile.”

The Calgary Stampede runs from July 3-12.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2026.

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press