Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently downplayed the threat of the screwworm, a parasite that can harm cattle, despite having previously described it as 'terrifying.' This change in tone comes after the parasite was detected in Texas, raising fears that it could exacerbate already high beef prices due to inflation, which reached 4.2% year-over-year in May.
Rollins has emphasized that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is prepared to manage the situation, asserting that the food supply is not at risk and that the infestation can be treated if caught early. She has also attributed the spread of the screwworm to lax immigration enforcement under the Biden administration.
Currently, six cases have been reported in Texas and New Mexico, and the USDA is implementing measures such as releasing sterile flies to control the population. Experts warn that if the infestation escalates, it could lead to significant economic damage, potentially costing up to $3 billion, and further increase beef prices.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to contain the pest and monitor animal health in affected areas