MERCEDES, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — The threat of New World screwworm is once again raising concerns for U.S. cattle producers, particularly along the southern border. The pest, which caused devastating livestock losses during outbreaks in the 1960s and 1970s, remains a serious risk if reintroduced.
Recent discussions about reopening the southern border to Mexican feeder cattle have added to those concerns. Ranchers worry that increased cattle movement from affected regions could heighten the chances of the parasite spreading north.
“I think it’s a dangerous topic because, honestly, anytime you start moving cattle from down in an area that has those kinds of problems, I think it’s just going to not be good,” said Benton England of England Cattle Co. in Mercedes, Texas. “Everybody’s going to try to do their best, but at the same time, though, if they end up making it here, it’s going to be a devastating deal. I mean, very, very devastating for not only cattle ranchers, but also for the exotic and deer game guys.”
Lawmakers are pointing to proven methods to prevent an outbreak. One key strategy is the use of sterile flies, which have historically helped control screwworm populations.
“They’re releasing those into Mexico, which has helped the screw worm stay at bay,” said U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz (TX-15).
However, officials say more needs to be done domestically to ensure preparedness. On the other side of the aisle, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX- 28) emphasized the urgency of expanding sterile fly production within the United States.
“So it’s not a matter of money. You know, it’s not Congress,” Rep. Cuellar explained. “You haven’t provided the money. We provided the money last year. And the appropriations, I added more money. [...] They do work, but we need so many millions of new sterile flies to prevent this problem from coming into the U.S.”
Producers on the ground remain cautiously optimistic, noting that while the solution is effective, it takes time to scale.
“Yeah, absolutely — 100% — I mean, they worked before,” England said. “It’s not gonna be a fast thing, but as long as we can keep pushing back, then it’ll work. I think the longer it goes on, the more it’ll be more readily usable, and they’ll be able to produce more, which they already are. You know, it’s just taking time to get everything going because it doesn’t happen overnight. A lot of the facilities they had burned down or weren’t in use for a long, long time.”
Ranchers are also using additional tools and strategies not available in previous decades to help protect their herds. With the very beautiful cattle they have here and are known for at England Cattle Co., Englandis taking a number of steps to make sure they are kept safe and healthy — and, of course, beautiful.
“Yes. So we have not only that, but also some other things we have now that we didn’t have before,” England said. “Whenever, like my grandfather, fought this issue way back there at our disposal, we have it ready on hand,” England added.
With the potential threat still looming, producers and policymakers alike say vigilance will be critical to keeping U.S. livestock safe and avoiding another widespread outbreak. Just this week, USDA’s APHIS updated their Response Playbook for New World Screwworm, saying it is crucual that their domestic plans are ready for activation.
LEARN MORE: APHIS New World Screwworm Response Playbook
Frank McCaffrey reporting for RFD NEWS.
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