Yesterday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in a cattle herd in South Texas. The infected animal was a three-week-old calf, and the screwworm was found on the calf’s umbilical cord. Rollins said it is the only case being tracked in the U.S., and it is also the only confirmed case.
Rollins said the USDA has already taken action to contain and eradicate this case of NWS.
Rollins also reiterated that a confirmation of NWS has no impact on the food supply, as this is just a pest and not a disease.
Rollins added that there is no reason to believe that this case will lead to an establishment of NWS in the U.S. as long as the proper protocols and guidelines are followed. For more information, visit aphis.usda.gov.
