Carnivorous parasites have recently been identified in Mexico, not too far from the U.S.-Mexico border, raising alarms among American farmers and ranchers. The New World screwworm is a type of parasitic fly that lays eggs in the open wounds of various animals such as cattle, sheep, and even some wildlife, though it can occasionally affect humans and pets, which is pretty unsettling. When the larvae hatch, they consume tissue, which can lead to severe infections and, unfortunately, death. If these parasites make their way into the U.S., it could create serious problems for our agricultural economy and supply chain.
This isn’t just a hypothetical issue. We’ve seen flare-ups here in the past that have cost American producers a staggering amount. Mrs. D., a rancher from central Texas, vividly recalls the devastation of the last major outbreak back in the 1960s. “From dawn to dusk, my husband was on horseback, looking for animals impacted by screwworms. We exhausted ourselves to save our livestock. It was a brutal time, and we had to keep an eye out even in winter since airplanes were spreading these flies during the cold months,” she said.
The history with screwworms is not just a distant memory; they had been eradicated in the 1960s through sterile fly techniques, but now all the signs of a repeating crisis are emerging. By March of this year, 369 confirmed cases were reported in Mexico, inching closer to the U.S.
As a representative from Texas’ largest congressional district, I’ve heard repeatedly from my constituents that the resurgence of New World screwworms is their top concern. Texas leads the nation in beef production, and in some counties in my district, there are more sheep and goats than people.
It’s clear that an outbreak of screwworms would be devastating for communities like mine. I’m certainly not alone in my worries.
In March, I was joined by 43 colleagues in expressing our concerns. We reached out to the Agriculture Bureau to offer bipartisan support for efforts aimed at eradicating these pests. Additionally, I co-sponsored the Stop Screwworms Act alongside colleagues from various states, including Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz from Texas. This law would establish a facility in the U.S. to produce sterile flies, which is a crucial step in bolstering our defenses against this dangerous parasite.
On a positive note, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is taking the matter seriously. This week, I attended a meeting with Rollins regarding an $8.5 million facility to sterilize New World screwworms in South Texas, along with a plan that enhances our agricultural sector’s ability to identify, control, and eliminate this pest. The South Texas facility should be operational within six months, according to officials.
Both President Trump and Rollins have made it a priority to protect American agriculture. Together, we are working to ensure that victories in administrative action can be transformed into sustainable legislative solutions.
