3 days ago
New World Screwworm Threatens Texas Agriculture
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is calling for quick intervention to fight the growing threat of the New World screwworm. This flesh-eating bug has cattle ranchers and agricultural leaders across the state on edge.
In a statement published last week, Miller celebrated the Department of Agriculture's recent $21 million investment to expand sterile fly production in Metapa, Mexico—a big step in the fight against the screwworm flies that devastated livestock throughout the country in the 1960s.
'The New World Screwworm cannot be eliminated with half-hearted efforts,' Miller said. 'Actual eradication requires the strategic release of millions of sterile flies. I was skeptical of the Biden Administration's approach, but this collaborative effort led by Secretary Brooke Rollins at the United States Department of Agriculture, coupled with strong leadership from Texas Congressional members, will expand North American sterile fly production, marking a crucial step forward.'
Miller's support follows recent reports from southern Mexico that screwworm infestations are creeping north, raising alarms for ranchers in the Lone Star State.
According to a study by the World Organization for Animal Health, the parasite's larvae are known to burrow into the wounds of living mammals, including livestock, pets, and even humans, causing extensive tissue damage and potentially death.
Miller said the USDA's new investment showcases international cooperation in the battle against the pest.
'This reinforces our defenses and strengthens our international partnership. Secretary Rollins recognizes the seriousness of this threat and is utilizing appropriate tools with necessary urgency to protect American agriculture,' Miller added.
Miller also endorsed the STOP Screwworms Act, which was recently introduced by Rep. Tony Gonzales and Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.
The legislation would create a domestic 'sterile fly production facility' in Texas to boost the USDA's efforts and secure a steady supply of sterile flies for quick 'deployment' across the state. Apparently, as experts previously noted, sterile flies are one of the best solutions to fight the northern migration of the New World screwworm.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M University is ramping up its own efforts to protect the cattle industry from the looming screwworm threat.
Last week, the university announced a $5 million donation from the Rosenthal family to support a new Meat Science and Technology Center at its campus in Bryan, Texas.
State officials, outside of Miller's efforts, continue to urge ranchers to remain vigilant for signs of the parasite and to report any cases immediately to the Texas Animal Health Commission or the USDA.
Experts warn that the 'reintroduction 'of the New World screwworm could have devastating economic impacts in certain areas, not just for ranchers but also for consumers already facing high beef and overall grocery prices.
As The Dallas Express previously reported, Americans are still reeling from the pressures of skyrocketing grocery prices, which the Biden Administration unleashed before he left office.
