Texas Screwworm Cases Confirmed: USDA Invests Over $1 Billion

The USDA confirmed four cases of the New World screwworm in Texas, with two new cases reported recently. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that over $1 billion will be invested to combat the pest and prevent its spread, which poses risks to livestock and pets. The first case was confirmed on Wednesday, marking the first occurrence of the screwworm in the U.S. since the 1960s. Despite criticism regarding the response speed, Rollins expressed confidence in their approach of using sterile insects to help manage the population.