To help combat the growing threat of the New World Screwworm, lawmakers in border states introduced the STOP Screwworm Act.
The bill aims to fund a new sterile fly production facility in the U.S. to tackle the growing threat of the flesh-eating maggot. With support from the NCBA and other cattle groups, the bill would use sterile insect techniques to stop the pest from spreading into the United States, the same technique used in the 1960s to eliminate NWS from the states.
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South Texas ranchers and vets warn that labor pressures will make monitoring for New World screwworm difficult across large cattle operations.
Officials say the FDA-approved generic drug kills most screwworm larvae within hours of administration. The medication is available in two dosage strengths and is administered based on an animal’s weight.
AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson discusses biosecurity to prevent New World Screwworm and financial tools to support livestock as eradication efforts continue.
Dr. Stephanie Mercier, Senior Policy Adviser for the Farm Journal Foundation, discusses USDA’s New World Screwworm eradication, sterile fly production, trade restrictions, biosecurity, and the path ahead for U.S. cattle producers.
