Efforts to prevent the spread of New World Screwworm (NWS) into the United States are receiving strong support from across the livestock sector, including swine producers and marketers who recognize the serious threat the parasite poses to animal health and production.
The introduction of the bipartisan STOP Screwworms Act (Strengthening Tactics to Obstruct the Population of Screwworms) authorizes the USDA to begin construction on a new sterile fly production facility — a key tactic in preventing the spread of the NWS outbreak in regions near the southern U.S. border. The legislation has received backing from a coalition of lawmakers and livestock industry organizations, including the American Livestock Markets and Dealers Association (ALMDA) and the Livestock Marketing Association of Texas (LMAT).
Swine producers are particularly vulnerable to NWS infestations, as the parasite can infest wounds in pigs and cause severe health and welfare concerns. While the outbreak has not entered U.S. swine operations, proactive measures are seen as vital to maintaining herd health and biosecurity standards.
“Sterile fly release programs are a proven tool in protecting our herds,” said Bryan Forester, Chair of ALMDA. “This legislation provides the resources needed to safeguard all sectors of U.S. livestock production, including pork.”
Additionally, USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced a temporary suspension of live animal imports at certain ports along the Mexican border in response to the NWS threat. Though this may cause short-term disruptions, industry leaders agree it is a necessary step.
“If halting imports is necessary to protect the U.S. livestock industry, including swine, we fully support this action,” said Kenny Mingus, President of LMAT.
In Texas alone, livestock markets and dealers contribute over $14.5 billion in economic activity. An NWS outbreak could devastate swine herds and ripple across producers, businesses, and rural economies.
Industry organizations continue to work closely with federal and state animal health officials and are calling for accelerated education and prevention efforts to stop the parasite from establishing itself in the U.S.
For more information on NWS prevention and swine biosecurity, visit:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov
