With more nations now banned from sending cattle to the U.S., ag officials say changes are on the way.
During a lengthy hearing last week before the House Ag Committee, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said the Screwworm is a top priority for the Department. She testified that the last time it hit U.S. herds, it took three decades for the industry to recover, a move she says our nation’s cattle producers cannot afford.
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. Secretary Rollins says USDA will be taking more steps in the coming weeks, aimed at a more aggressive approach.
