USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the return of the New World screwworm, which has not been seen in the U.S. since the 1960s, does not pose a risk to the food supply as it primarily affects livestock and pets. The USDA confirmed four cases of the parasite, including two new ones in Texas, and emphasized that the pest does not infest food products.
Rollins criticized Texas agriculture officials for their comments on the USDA's response speed, asserting that the agency is implementing a strategy similar to past eradication efforts, which includes releasing sterile flies to control the population.
The USDA is currently deploying around 10 million sterile flies weekly to combat the infestation, aiming to prevent further spread and protect the agricultural sector