U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) on welcomed a nearly $1 billion federal investment announced by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins (R) and Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) to combat the spread of the New World screwworm (NWS), a parasite threatening livestock across the southern United States.
The funding includes $750 million dedicated to building a new sterile fly production facility.
The New World screwworm can infect and kill cattle and other warm-blooded animals. It poses a major threat to agriculture. Texas, the top cattle-producing state in the U.S., is especially at risk.
“Texas has long led the nation’s cattle industry, and it’s imperative for state and federal leaders to use every tool at our disposal to protect our food supply,” Cornyn said in a statement. “This investment is a huge step forward.”
Cornyn has been an active proponent of federal support to combat NWS. He introduced legislation to fund and authorize USDA efforts to build a new sterile fly facility, which releases non-reproducing male flies to limit population growth. He also helped secure language in the Senate’s appropriations package to address the growing threat.
The senator has worked closely with Secretary Rollins and industry stakeholders to advance solutions.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns from ranchers and veterinarians about the resurgence of the screwworm, which was largely eradicated in the U.S. by the early 1980s through sterile insect techniques. However, recent reports of outbreaks in southern Texas and Central America have prompted renewed efforts to prevent its spread.
The facility is expected to be constructed in Texas, though the exact location has not been announced.
Senator Cornyn said he will keep backing USDA efforts in Texas. He wants the state leading on livestock health and food security.
