USDA Announces $165 Million Emergency Fund to Fight Screwworm Threat—Here’s Why It Could Save U.S. Livestock!
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced a significant emergency funding initiative aimed at controlling the spread of New World screwworm (NWS), a deadly parasite that poses a serious risk to U.S. livestock. The $165 million in funding, sourced from the Commodity Credit Corporation, will enhance ongoing efforts to protect U.S. animals and to manage outbreaks in Mexico and Central America.
NWS larvae, which infest the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, have been wreaking havoc on livestock and wildlife in several countries across Central America. The maggots, known for burrowing into an animal’s flesh, cause severe tissue damage, and if untreated, the infestation can be fatal. While NWS is endemic in parts of South America and the Caribbean, recent outbreaks in Central America have raised alarm, with significant cases reported in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala.
Recent Detection in Mexico Signals Urgent Action
On November 22, 2024, a positive NWS detection was reported near the Guatemalan border in the Mexican state of Chiapas. This discovery prompted immediate action, including a restriction on the importation of cattle and bison from or transiting through Mexico. As the parasite continues to spread in the region, APHIS is working with local and international partners to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
“This outbreak reinforces the need for strong biosecurity measures,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs. “The funding will help support surveillance and biosecurity efforts on farms, and the goal is to prevent the parasite from spreading to the United States.”
Fighting the Spread: What’s Being Done to Protect U.S. Livestock
The emergency funds will be used for key initiatives, including increasing surveillance, establishing animal health checkpoints, and strengthening efforts to prevent NWS from crossing U.S. borders. One of the main strategies is to set up a barrier in Mexico and Central America, while also re-establishing the biological barrier in Panama, which had been free of NWS since 2019.
Dr. Nora Wineland, State Veterinarian for Michigan, explained, “Conditions are ideal for the virus to thrive and spread, especially with colder weather and the continued presence of wild bird populations that carry the parasite. Preventing further outbreaks is a critical priority for both human and animal health.”
The Growing Threat to Livestock and Public Health
NWS has proven to be a major threat to both livestock and the broader agricultural economy. In addition to the toll on animal health, outbreaks have significant economic consequences. The outbreak in Panama, for example, led to a dramatic increase in cases from 25 per year in 2019 to over 6,500 cases in 2023. By December 2024, Panama had recorded more than 22,000 confirmed cases of NWS.
The parasite is not only a concern for livestock but has also impacted other animals, including pets and wildlife. While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the public health risk remains low, farm workers and others in direct contact with infected animals are at increased risk.
Preventative Measures: Protecting Livestock from NWS
To help protect U.S. livestock and mitigate the risk of further spread, experts are advising farmers and livestock producers to adopt strict biosecurity practices. Key steps include:
Preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds, which can carry the parasite.
Regularly disinfecting boots, equipment, and vehicles that come into contact with livestock.
Monitoring livestock for signs of infection, such as open wounds or swelling.
Ensuring that animals are not exposed to contaminated feed or water sources.
A Coordinated Response to a Growing Threat
The USDA’s $165 million emergency funding is a crucial part of a coordinated response to the growing threat of NWS. As the parasite continues to spread in Central America and Mexico, the U.S. must remain vigilant in its efforts to protect livestock and ensure the safety of the food supply.
While the situation is still evolving, the USDA’s proactive approach and increased funding for surveillance and containment measures are critical to preventing a major outbreak in the U.S. and protecting the agricultural industry from the devastating effects of New World screwworm.
