By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced $165 million in emergency funding to address the threat of New World screwworm (NWS). The funding, sourced from the Commodity Credit Corporation, will protect U.S. livestock and support ongoing eradication efforts in Mexico and Central America.
Rising Threat in Central America
Over the past two years, NWS has spread through Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala. On November 22, 2024, Mexico reported a positive detection near its southern border with Guatemala.
“The current outbreaks in Central America demonstrate the need for USDA to increase its investment in NWS eradication and prevention,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs. “If NWS were to spread to the United States, it would result in significant economic losses and threats to animal health and welfare.”
Preventing NWS Spread to the U.S.
APHIS is coordinating with Mexico and Central American countries to halt the spread of NWS. Farmers and ranchers along the southern U.S. border are being urged to monitor livestock and pets for signs of NWS and report cases immediately to veterinarians.
Sterile Fly Technique for Eradication
The only proven method to eradicate NWS involves releasing sterile male screwworm flies into areas with established populations. These sterile flies ate with fertile females, gradually reducing and eventually eliminating the population.
This emergency funding will enable USDA to strengthen its response and implement measures to prevent NWS from spreading to the U.S., safeguarding livestock health and the agricultural economy. The initiative highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in protecting animal health and maintaining food security.
Photo Credit:pexels-karolina-grabowska
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