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USDA Secretary Announces Response Plan to Combat New World Screwworm
Federal and state officials are deploying sterile flies, launching surveillance and testing, and warning the containment window is narrowing.
- Governor Greg Abbott visited the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, Texas, alongside United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to coordinate response to escalating New World screwworm detections across multiple counties.
- The pest has spread across four counties and two states, prompting a state disaster declaration. Abbott stated that dispersing sterile flies remains the primary strategy to protect American agriculture.
- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller renewed calls for the USDA to deploy the Screwworm Adult Suppression System , but USDA officials cited potential chemical safety concerns while noting research into a modern version is underway.
- Newly appointed Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness John Bellinger emphasized that reporting cases ensures priority access to sterile fly drops, while Rollins dismissed Miller's suggestion as 'dangerous.'
- Officials urge Texans to check animals daily and treat wounds promptly to contain the outbreak. Livestock owners should report suspected cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242; wildlife sightings go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 389-4505.
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22 Articles
Texas ag commissioner slams USDA screwworm response
·Albuquerque, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources22
Leaning Left3Leaning Right3Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 20%
C 60%
R 20%
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