WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — New World screwworm was a major topic as Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins testified before the House Agriculture Committee on Wednesday.
The hearing comes as USDA has officially confirmed a case in the United States.
Rollins says the department has already taken a number of steps in response.
“We have now activated our New World Screwworm Response playbook, which includes detailed protocols and procedures for just this scenario. We’ve established a 20km zone around the detection and implementing quarantines, movement controls and surveillance in the region. In fact, I’ll be there next week. We have expedited a targeted release of sterile flies in the affected area to prevent the pests from reproducing, and are increasing trapping for New World screwworm flies along the border. We are ramping up surveillance and also management in our wildlife.”
She emphasized that New World screwworm is not considered a food safety concern.
“In short, we are using every tool at our disposal to eliminate this threat to our livestock producers and to our national security, and we will actively keep you updated. Thankfully, this pest does not represent any sort of challenge to our food safety, and that’s a really important message.”
She says USDA has successfully dealt with the disease before and is confident the pest can be eradicated again.
“This is a flesh-eating pest that lands on mammals, on livestock, on deer, etc. It is not a threat to our food supply. We have beaten screwworm before, and we will do so again.”
USDA says it will continue monitoring the situation and providing updates as response efforts move forward.
As USDA continues its response to New World screwworm, livestock producers are being reminded to stay vigilant and understand the risks the pest poses to animal health.
Dr. Patrick Webb, Assistant Chief Veterinarian with the National Pork Board, joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report for a closer look at the current situation.
In his conversation with RFD News, Webb discussed the current status of New World screwworm and the potential threat it poses to the U.S. livestock industry.
The discussion also focused on why pork producers should remain alert alongside cattle producers and what steps farmers and ranchers should take following the recent confirmation.
Webb additionally addressed whether New World screwworm could impact livestock transportation and reviewed the procedures producers should follow if they suspect an animal has been exposed.
He also shared the first steps producers should take if they believe they have encountered New World screwworm.
