Texas and federal officials are intensifying efforts to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm (NWS), a parasitic insect capable of devastating the livestock industry, as reports indicate the pest has reemerged just 350 miles from the southern U.S. border. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held a joint press conference Friday to outline coordinated strategies aimed at safeguarding the nation’s livestock and economy.
The NWS lays its eggs in open wounds on animals such as cattle, pigs, and horses. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into living flesh, feeding on tissue and causing severe damage. Infected animals can suffer life-threatening infections, and outbreaks historically have led to widespread livestock losses. While the U.S. successfully eradicated the screwworm domestically in the 1960s, its recent resurgence in regions near the border has prompted urgent action.
“All Americans should be concerned, but it's certainly Texas and our border and livestock-producing states that are on the front lines of this,” Rollins said. She described the screwworm as “a national security issue and threat,” highlighting the potential ramifications for both the agricultural economy and public health.
Sweeping Federal Response
The federal government has rolled out an ambitious five-pronged plan to combat the screwworm threat. Announced in June, the strategy includes a $750 million investment to expand a sterile fly production facility, tripling output to allow for large-scale releases of sterile male screwworm flies. These flies, which mate with females but produce no offspring, are a proven method to gradually eradicate the population.
An additional $100 million has been allocated for the development and deployment of new technologies to accelerate detection and response. These measures aim to provide rapid containment and treatment options if screwworm infections are identified in livestock.
Rollins emphasized that border defense will not rely solely on technology. Horse-mounted “tick riders” will serve as the first line of defense, patrolling vulnerable areas along the border to monitor for infections in animals. In parallel, the USDA’s Beagle Brigade — best known for detecting agricultural pests at ports of entry — will receive specialized training to identify screwworm infections in livestock, enhancing early detection capabilities.
Temporary closures of cross-border livestock trade have already occurred as a precautionary measure. Officials stress that such actions are essential to prevent the inadvertent spread of the pest into U.S. herds.
Cross-Border Coordination
A critical component of the federal strategy is close coordination with Mexico. Rollins acknowledged earlier challenges in receiving timely reporting from Mexican authorities but stressed that “the partnership is as strong as it has ever been.” Officials hope that enhanced collaboration will facilitate early detection, reporting, and treatment of outbreaks on both sides of the border, reducing the risk of the pest reaching U.S. livestock populations.
Economic Concerns
The potential economic consequences of a screwworm outbreak have raised alarms among state lawmakers and ranchers. During the press conference, Rollins addressed concerns previously raised by the Texas House Agriculture and Livestock Committee, noting that beef prices could “perhaps” rise if the threat persists and border closures continue.
Despite these concerns, Rollins emphasized the priority of protecting ranchers and livestock. “The safety and the security of our beef and our ranchers has to be at the top of the list,” she said. Experts note that the livestock sector contributes billions to the U.S. economy, and any significant outbreak could have ripple effects throughout domestic and international markets.
State Legislative Outlook
Gov. Abbott indicated that while the screwworm threat is not currently on the agenda for Texas’ second special legislative session, flexibility remains an option. “The options are always on the table,” he said, leaving open the possibility of additional state-level interventions if federal measures prove insufficient.
For now, both federal and state officials are focusing on aggressive prevention efforts. These include border surveillance, deployment of sterile screwworm flies, and strengthened detection programs. Authorities stress that early action is critical to maintaining decades of progress in protecting U.S. livestock from invasive pests.
Looking Ahead
As the U.S. and Texas step up preventative measures, ranchers, farmers, and livestock producers are being urged to remain vigilant. Education campaigns on recognizing symptoms of screwworm infection, along with adherence to border protocols, are part of the broader effort to safeguard the nation’s food supply.
Experts agree that while the threat is serious, coordinated federal and state responses — combined with international cooperation — provide the best chance to contain the pest before it can establish itself in U.S. herds. In the meantime, livestock producers in border states remain on high alert, aware that rapid detection and response will be crucial in preventing a crisis.
The reemergence of the New World screwworm serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the agriculture sector, where decades-old protections can be threatened by new developments and cross-border pests. With proactive measures and continued vigilance, officials hope to prevent a repeat of historical livestock disasters and protect the livelihoods of ranchers nationwide.
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