U.S. Government Intensifies Efforts to Prevent Screwworm Spread, Protecting Cattle and Beef Prices
The United States government is ramping up efforts to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm, a pest that poses a significant threat to livestock and food security. This initiative involves collaboration between lawmakers and federal agencies to safeguard cattle herds and mitigate potential economic impacts on the agriculture sector. The New World screwworm can cause severe harm to livestock, including death, and its spread could lead to increased beef prices for consumers. Although the pest is near U.S. borders, it has not yet entered the country. Recent federal actions include legislation passed last year to fund screwworm prevention programs, allowing investment in necessary tools and infrastructure. A key component of the prevention strategy is the development of a sterile fly production facility in South Texas, which will work with existing facilities in Mexico and Panama to control screwworm populations. 
