News Release
For Immediate Release: April 29, 2025
Contact: Sean Hoffmann, Director of Communications, shoffmann@texas-wildlife.org
Texas Wildlife Association supports USDA mandate
New Braunfels, TX — The Texas Wildlife Association supports U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ April 26 letter demanding the Mexican government eliminate restrictions on USDA aircraft and waive custom duties on eradication equipment necessary to stop the spread of New World Screwworm (NWS).
NWS flies deposit eggs in a cut or wound on an animal. Once hatched, the larvae burrow into the cut, eating flesh. As the wound grows, flies lay additional eggs. If left untreated, the infected animal dies. An infestation in the U.S. will result in significant losses to livestock, wildlife and pets and cost billions.
NWS were effectively eradicated in the U.S. more than 50 years ago and kept at bay via U.S.-funded suppression work alongside partners in Central America. Unfortunately, a combination of Covid-era policies and illegal cattle trafficking have put the pest on the move once again and in November 2024, the first case was reported in Mexico. Despite the urgency and implication for Mexican and U.S. livestock markets, international suppression efforts have suffered from needless bureaucratic hurdles in Mexico.
According to the Secretary’s letter, “Time is of the essence. Every delay in granting full operational authority and eliminating customs barriers undermines our collective ability to carry out this emergency response. We cannot afford to continue operating at partial strength.”
We appreciate the USDA’s continued attention to this crucial matter. Suspected screwworm cases should be reported to your local accredited veterinarian, State Animal Health official, or a USDA veterinarian. For more information on how to protect yourself and your property from the NWS, visit the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Read Rollins’ letter at https://www.usda.gov/…/documents/nws-letter-mexico.pdf .
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About Texas Wildlife Association Foundation
In 1991, TWAF was formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to providing responsible environmental education about wildlife and habitat conservation to Texans of all ages. TWAF promotes educational and informational activities to support Texas wildlife, habitat, and sound stewardship. The activities and programs include science curriculum for middle school students, leadership camps, youth and adult hunting opportunities, teacher training and adult education seminars–all of which are performed by the Texas Wildlife Association.
