Officials Praise USDA’s New Plan to Thwart New World Screwworm

The USDA and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins have announced a five-pronged plan to detect, control, and eliminate New World Screwworm threats. The strategy looks to control animal movement, create strong surveillance systems, and utilize proven sterilization techniques.

Government officials and cattle industry representatives praise the plan, which includes the launch of a $8.5 million sterile fly dispersal facility on Moore Air Base in south Texas.

Government Officials

Governor Greg Abbott

“Texas is on the front lines of the threat posed by the New World Screwworm. Proactive measures like this dispersal facility are a critical step to ensure our state and nation are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to this challenge. We are grateful for the Trump Administration and Secretary Rollins’ continued support of Texas in safeguarding the economic vitality of our farming and ranching communities. We will continue to work with our federal partners to eliminate this threat,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

Representative Monica De La Cruz

"If we do not take action now, the New World Screwworm will devastate Texas livestock and wildlife. Thank you, Secretary Rollins, for swiftly accepting my proposal to establish this critical facility in Hidalgo County. I am committed to working alongside the Administration to put Texas farmers and ranchers first and safeguard our agriculture industry,” said Rep. Monica De La Cruz, who serves Texas’s 15th district.