WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Federal officials are expanding their response to New World screwworm as the number of confirmed U.S. cases continues to grow, with most detections centered in Texas.
USDA has announced a new partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen wildlife surveillance efforts along the southern border. The agencies will work together to monitor animal movement and help identify potential pathways for the flesh-eating pest to spread.
During a press conference Tuesday evening, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said USDA has released more than 142 million sterile flies since February as part of its eradication strategy. She added that more than 170 federal and state personnel are actively involved in response efforts.
Rollins also noted that USDA is preparing to announce the 40 winners of its $100 million Grand Challenge initiative focused on developing new tools and technologies to combat screwworm.
More than 10 active New World screwworm cases have now been confirmed in the United States, with Texas remaining the epicenter of the outbreak.
Illinois Producers Watching from a Distance
While livestock producers in Texas remain on high alert, cattle specialists in other parts of the country say the immediate threat remains limited.
Illinois beef specialist Teresa Steckler said she is not overly concerned about the pest reaching her state under current conditions.
“The only time that I would get excited would be if producers from Illinois would bring cattle up from along the border in Texas,” Steckler said. “I don’t see that happening. That is a completely different breed of cattle. We have our Angus, Simmental, and black-hided cattle up here primarily. So right now, I am not worried about the New World screwworm in Illinois.”
Canada Border Restrictions Draw Criticism
The growing outbreak has also prompted trade-related responses. Canada recently announced temporary restrictions on cattle originating from Texas, a move that has drawn criticism from some U.S. lawmakers.
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall questioned the necessity of the restrictions, noting the importance of cattle movements from Mexico through Texas and into the U.S. feeding system.
“It’s complicated. I think we need to measure twice and cut one time here,” Marshall said. “Usually, a million head of cattle come from Mexico into Texas. They’re fed on grasslands in Texas and Kansas, go to our feedlots, and eventually are processed as well. I don’t see how this is a threat to Canada.”
Marshall also argued that Canada’s colder climate would make the long-term establishment of the pest difficult.
Rollins: ‘We’re Going to Beat This Back’
Despite the challenges ahead, Rollins expressed confidence that the United States can once again eradicate New World screwworm.
“This is not gonna be easy, but our country has been built with grit and overcoming challenges,” Rollins said. Reflecting on a recent visit to South Texas, where she observed a calf that had recovered from a screwworm infection, Rollins said the animal’s recovery reinforced her belief that the response strategy is working.
“We’re gonna battle this and beat this back, and our ranchers are gonna be the frontliners,” she said.
