NCBA: Screwworms Likely to Cross Border This Summer

The U.S. cattle industry is on alert as the threat of New World Screwworm re-emerges. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall says the parasitic pest is likely to cross the southern border later this summer. “It’s no longer a question of whether or not we see a return of New World screwworms in the United States. It’s a matter of when. Probably sometime later this summer,” said Woodall. Efforts are underway to boost sterile fly production to curb the spread. Woodall emphasized the need for quick Congressional action, pointing to the bipartisan Stop Screwworms Act and potential Commodity Credit Corporation funding. “Congress needs to understand that while we appreciate their support, we have to get some things going now.”