Texas Farm Bureau supports immediate actions to combat New World Screwworm

The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening following today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to close ports on May 12 to all livestock entering the U.S. due to New World screwworm. 

“The threat of the New World Screwworm (NWS) and impacts it would have to our domestic livestock and wildlife industries should not be underestimated.

“Texas Farm Bureau is encouraged that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognize the seriousness of this situation and are taking necessary precautions to safeguard our country from this animal health threat by closing the ports.

“In addition, the United States must act on construction of a domestic sterile fly facility to stop movement and combat the pest throughout this continent.

“We look forward to our continued work with Secretary Rollins and her team to fight the NWS and protect farmers, ranchers and consumers.”