USDA Addresses Concerns Over Screwworm Proximity to Texas Border

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated on June 3, 2026, that the New World screwworm is now 25 miles from the Texas border, raising concerns about its potential impact on the state's livestock industry. In February, the parasite was reported to be 187 miles away. Rollins emphasized the USDA's efforts to keep the public informed and counter misinformation regarding the situation. The screwworm, which has been found in a goat in Mexico's Coahuila state, poses a threat as it feeds on warm-blooded animals, potentially causing significant damage to livestock. Texas state Rep. Don McLaughlin criticized the federal response, claiming it has been slow and calling for a state-led emergency response. He noted that Texas currently has access to only 100 million sterile flies weekly, compared to 700 million during the last major outbreak. A new USDA facility in South Texas is expected to produce additional sterile flies but will not be operational until November 2027. Rollins responded to concerns about misinformation, stating that it can lead to unnecessary panic.