United States Launches Largest-Ever Initiative to Combat New World Screwworm

28 August 2025, Texas: The United States has announced its most extensive effort yet to stop the spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS), a destructive livestock pest that poses risks to agriculture, animal health, and food security. The initiative was unveiled at the Texas State Capitol by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, alongside Governor Greg Abbott and national stakeholders.

The announcement builds on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) five-part strategy introduced in June 2025 to prevent the northward advance of the pest from Mexico into the United States.

A Threat to Livestock and Food Supply

New World Screwworm flies lay eggs that hatch into larvae, which burrow into the flesh of living animals. Infestations can cause severe wounds, life-threatening infections, and, in many cases, death. The pest affects livestock, wildlife, pets, and occasionally humans, creating a direct threat to ranching communities, food supply chains, and national biosecurity.

Multi-Agency Coordination

The USDA emphasized that controlling NWS will require collaboration across federal, state, and private sectors. Current efforts involve:

• Animal Health Solutions: Working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to accelerate animal drug development and fast-track approvals for prevention and treatment.
• Technological Innovation: Partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) to explore advanced technologies to fight infestations.
• Border Protection: Coordinating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to strengthen measures against cross-border spread.
• State-Level Support: Engaging Governors, Agriculture Commissioners, and State veterinarians to ensure regional readiness and rapid response.

Safeguarding U.S. Agriculture

Officials underlined that this initiative is not only critical for protecting the cattle industry but also for ensuring long-term food security. “This is about protecting our ranchers, our food supply, and our national security,” Secretary Rollins stated.

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