The New World Screwworm is once again drawing attention as it creeps closer to the U.S. border. While it hasn’t been found in the United States, recent cases further south have raised red flags across the livestock industry. Because this flesh-eating parasite can infect any warm-blooded animal, the threat goes well beyond cattle and wildlife. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and the USDA are working proactively to keep the pest out of the country and prevent a repeat of the devastating outbreaks seen decades ago.
Secretary Rollins recently outlined a three-part plan to strengthen the nation’s defenses against the parasite. The first step is putting tighter controls in place to monitor and restrict the movement of animals that could carry the pest. The second focuses on expanding surveillance and improving outreach so that potential cases can be caught early. And third, the USDA will ramp up the use of sterile insect technology—while also exploring new tools—to reduce the screwworm population and stop its spread before it starts.
While much of the current response has centered on the threat to cattle, bison, and wildlife, the pork industry is watching the situation just as closely. Swine are also vulnerable to New World Screwworm, and an outbreak in hog populations could have serious consequences for the nation’s pork supply. Dr. Megan Niederwerder with the Swine Health Information Center says the risk to pigs is real, and she explains why the industry cannot afford to overlook this threat.
Dr. Niederwerder notes that Mexico has already taken significant steps to contain the screwworm threat, including aggressive surveillance and targeted response efforts. The USDA has been working closely with Mexican authorities, offering support and resources to strengthen their containment strategies. Secretary Rollins echoed that cooperation in her remarks, emphasizing that keeping screwworm out of the U.S. will require a coordinated effort across borders.
As the threat of New World Screwworm continues to evolve, staying informed is critical for all sectors of animal agriculture. To learn more, visit the Swine Health Information Center and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the latest updates and resources.
