Rollins downplays screwworm as USDA works to contain U.S. spread

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has described the New World screwworm as a “little pest” as the USDA tries to contain its spread in the United States. The comments mark a sharp shift from earlier warnings, when she called the parasite “terrifying” and a major threat to cattle. The outbreak was detected in Texas last week, with six U.S. cases reported so far in Texas and New Mexico. Officials say the parasite can seriously harm or kill livestock if not treated quickly, and they are using quarantine zones, trapping, surveillance and sterile fly releases to limit the infestation. Rollins has argued that the food supply is not in danger and has blamed the Biden administration’s border policies for allowing the pest to move north. Her remarks come as beef prices remain elevated and inflation continues to be a concern, raising attention on whether the outbreak could add more pressure to cattle supplies and costs.