Source: Michigan Farm News
The USDA has launched a centralized New World Screwworm (NWS) website to support its coordinated, government-wide strategy to prevent the parasitic fly from entering the United States. Although NWS has not reached U.S. territory, the potential impact is significant: an outbreak in Texas alone is estimated to cost cattle producers $732 million annually, with a total statewide economic loss of $1.8 billion.
The new site, Screwworm.gov, provides targeted resources for livestock producers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, health providers, pet owners, researchers, and manufacturers. It compiles USDA-verified updates on cases in Mexico, U.S. surveillance and preparedness efforts, and real-time maps showing current activity. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the strong interagency collaboration behind the effort, calling NWS prevention a national security priority. The platform also incorporates information from federal partners including FDA, DOE, DHS, EPA, and the State Department, supporting a unified response to the high-risk pest.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.michiganfarmnews.com/usda-launches-centralized-new-world-screwworm-website