International News: U.S. Department of Agriculture approves funding to combat New World screwworm

Published by BBNTEAM at December 13, 2024

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Posted: Friday, December 13, 2024. 3:09 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: The United States Government has approved a second round of emergency funding to combat the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating pest that threatened U.S. livestock.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allocate $165 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation, following last year’s $109.8 million approval, Reutersreport.

This funding will support efforts in Mexico and Central America, where the pest has spread.

The USDA also plans to resume cattle imports from Mexico, halted in November after the detection of screwworm in a cow near the Guatemalan border.

Imports may restart as early as this month if Mexico establishes USDA-approved protocols, including holding pens for inspection and treatment.

The screwworm infestation, which can damage livestock, wildlife, and even humans, is being combated with a program that releases sterile flies to reduce the population.

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