USDA’s APHIS has added El Salvador and Belize to the list of regions affected by New World Screwworm after confirmed outbreaks in both countries.
As a result, imports of horses, ruminants, swine, and dogs from these countries into the U.S. are restricted unless the animals are inspected and treated for Screwworm. These steps aim to keep the pest from spreading to U.S. livestock and protect animal health.
Earlier this week, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins told the House Agriculture Committee that she is preparing to announce a plan to combat New World Screwworm. She said the upcoming steps will be unlike anything seen before and expects the Committee to be very pleased.
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His department will be using a synthetic bait called “Swormlure Five,” which is engineered to smell like an open wound, attracting Screwworm flies to the bait
The network includes labs across the country that track diseases like New World Screwworm, which could see a rise in cases with hurricane season approaching.
“I want to say thank you to Sec. Brooke Rollins for using the science-based... information and making a good sound decision.”
“The border closure really was a political one; it wasn’t based upon animal health issues.”
