Trump Administration Takes Action Against New World Screwworm

The Trump administration is stepping up measures to address an infestation of the New World screwworm in the U.S.

On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services authorized the Food and Drug Administration to issue emergency use authorizations for animal drugs aimed at treating or preventing these parasitic flies.

“Today, we are taking decisive action to safeguard the nation’s food supply from this emerging threat,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a statement.

This authorization allows the FDA to respond quickly, limit the spread of the New World screwworm, and protect American livestock, he added.

These screwworms are the larvae of Cochliomyia hominivorax, which invade animals like livestock, pets, and wildlife, feeding on their flesh. They earn their name from how they burrow, resembling a screw going into wood. The condition resulting from a screwworm infestation in humans is known as myiasis, which can be extremely painful. Screwworm infestations can cause severe tissue damage, and in some instances, even death.

“Our main concern is to protect both animal health and the nation’s food supply. The FDA is acting promptly to ensure we have the right tools to prevent and manage the New World screwworm, thus minimizing risks to agriculture and public health,” stated FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.

The New World screwworm is common in regions like Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, as well as in some countries in South America. Recently, it’s been detected close to the U.S. border with Mexico, which led the Trump administration to halt livestock imports from Mexico since May.

The U.S. successfully eliminated this pest in the past by using sterilized male flies to disrupt the breeding cycle. This method was notably successful in eradicating screwworms from the U.S. by 1966, yet the insects continue to pose a significant threat to livestock. For instance, a screwworm outbreak in Texas in 1976 had a staggering economic impact, costing about $1.8 billion today.

“I appreciate my colleagues Secretary Kennedy and Commissioner Makary for their support in our aggressive plan to push back against this harmful pest. This emergency authorization gives us another tool to combat the New World screwworm,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

The Trump administration is crucial for cattle ranchers and livestock producers, as halting this pest has become a priority for national security. “We are working closely across the President’s Cabinet to protect our borders and combat this threat,” the USDA chief remarked.