Rep. Roy Seeks Answers from USDA on Growing New World Screwworm Risk

Washington, D.C. - Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) penned a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins asking the Secretary to host a briefing on the Department's actions against the New World Screwworm.

"I write today to request an official briefing regarding the New World Screwworm epidemic that threatens Texas' multi-billion-dollar ranching industry, substantial hunting industry, and the human health of all Americans. The New World Screwworm threat has loomed over Texas for over a year now, and while I appreciate the willingness from the administration to address this issue, some in Texas fear the response has left Texas unsure if we are going to be able to stop it should the Screwworm cross the border,"Rep. Roy wrote.

The ongoing New World Screwworm outbreak in Central America and Mexico has presented a growing threat against Texas as the pest has slowly spread northward. Should a Screwworm outbreak occur in Texas, the United States Department of Agriculture estimates it could cause almost $2 billion in damage to the state's economy, jeopardizing our valuable ranchers, and the entire nation's food security.

"I hope the briefing will answer [the below] questions, provide a substantive and in-depth update on USDA's efforts to combat this scourge, and provide a forum for Members to bring any concerns they have directly to the Secretary's attention. I urge the Department to schedule this critical briefing as soon as possible," Roy continued.

You can read the entirety of Rep. Roy's letter to USDA at the link here or below:

Dear Secretary Rollins,

I want to start this letter by thanking you for the months of dedicated work you have performed in your role leading the Department of Agriculture. I am happy to see the efforts the Department and the Administration have taken to address critical issues, and I look forward to continuing our work to put Americans first when it comes to farming, ranching, and addressing foreign ownership of our farmlands.

I write today to request an official briefing regarding the New World Screwworm epidemic that threatens Texas' multi-billion-dollar ranching industry, substantial hunting industry, and the human health of all Americans. The New World Screwworm threat has loomed over Texas for over a year now, and while I appreciate the willingness from the administration to address this issue, somein Texas fear the response has left Texas unsure if we are going to be able to stop it should the Screwworm cross the border.

As your agency addresses this issue, I believe an official briefing from the Department to interested Members of Congress so we can hear the latest on how USDA is working with state and local partners is necessary. Specifically, I request that the briefing provide updates on the concrete steps that USDA has taken to follow through on the June 2025 action plan, as well as answer the following questions.

1. How far from the border is the closest confirmed New World Screwworm case? How has this case been addressed by USDA?
2. How many sterile flies does the dispersal site at Moore Air Base disperse on a weekly basis?
3. When does USDA expect the sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base to be operational?
4. Has USDA completed an audit of Mexico's animal health controls as laid out in the action plan? If so, what were the results of the audit, and how is USDA working with Mexico to address any shortcomings?
5. Does the United States have sufficient treatment should the New World Screwworm cross the border?
6. Is the USDA implementing an "all above" approach to trapping Screwworms? Has the USDA developed "better traps and lures" as stated in the action plan? If so, what has been deployed thus far?

I hope the briefing will answer these questions, provide a substantive and in-depth update on USDA's efforts to combat this scourge, and provide a forum for Members to bring any concerns they have directly to the Secretary's attention. I urge the Department to schedule this critical briefing as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Chip Roy

Member of Congress