Featured

Roy Urges Action Against Threat of Screwworm Outbreak

Rep. Chip Roy (R) is calling for immediate diplomatic action to address the northward spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS). The NWS is a parasite that threatens to devastate the U.S. cattle industry.

In a letter sent to Ambassador Ronald Johnson, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Rep. Roy urged the use of “all available diplomatic tools” to pressure Mexico into ramping up containment efforts.

“The extensive Texas–Mexico border means that developments in Mexico have a deep impact on Texas and the constituents of the 21st congressional district, whom I represent,” Rep. Roy wrote.

The NWS, which is a flesh-eating parasite, was eradicated in the U.S. decades ago through aggressive programs. However, recent reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicate the screwworm has now been detected in the Mexican state of Veracruz, which is 700 miles from the Texas border.

“If an outbreak were to occur in Texas, the USDA estimates it could cause $1.8 billion in damage to the state’s economy - devastating ranchers’ entire livelihoods,” he warned.

Though Mexico has reportedly enacted measures to address the spread of NWS, Rep. Roy argues that the efforts fall far short of what is necessary to combat the NWS.

“Those efforts remain wholly insufficient,” he argued. “My constituents… many of whom rely on ranching for their livelihoods, cannot afford delays.”

Rep. Roy emphasized that a potential outbreak would not only cripple local ranchers but also jeopardize the national food supply. He offered the support of his office to assist Ambassador Johnson in encouraging more aggressive cross-border cooperation.

A recent article from the Atlantic sheds light on the screwworm, informing that the pest eats animals the likes of cows, pigs, dogs, and others alive.

The United States has fought a war against the screwworm for the last 70 years.

Daniel Molina

Daniel Molina is an award-winning senior reporter based in Miami. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Florida International University.

Recent Posts

Government Shutdown Raises Concerns for Gulf Coast Projects

As Congress becomes deadlocked over government funding, concerns are growing in Texas about how a…

14 hours ago

Greg Abbott Launches 10th Annual Texas HireAbility Campaign

Governor Greg Abbott (R) has announced the launch of the 10th annual Texas HireAbility campaign,…

16 hours ago

John Cornyn's Bill Protects Companies from Russian Litigation

U.S Senator John Cornyn, joined by Alex Padilla (D-CA), has introduced the Protecting Americans from Russian…

16 hours ago

Court Battle Begins Over Texas Redistricted Congressional Map

A panel of three federal judges has begun hearings in El Paso to determine whether…

18 hours ago

Eric Flores' Praise for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Could Hurt him in 2026

Because the White House is laser-focused on retaining the Republican majority in the U.S. House…

20 hours ago

Texas Lawmakers React to Government Shutdown Amid Partisan Divide

Texas lawmakers have responded to the federal government officially shutting down, following the failure of…

21 hours ago