Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins criticized Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller for his comments on the USDA's handling of the New World Screwworm outbreak, which was detected in Texas last week. Miller, who lost his primary election despite Trump's endorsement, accused the USDA of acting too slowly and not utilizing a more effective pest control method he advocates.
Rollins dismissed Miller's remarks as 'unserious' and dangerous, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as the USDA implements measures to contain the pest, which can severely harm cattle. The USDA is deploying sterile flies and increasing surveillance efforts to prevent a larger agricultural disaster.
This internal conflict within the Trump administration could impact the effectiveness of the response and, consequently, the cattle market and beef prices if the outbreak is not controlled swiftly