USDA's Rollins called screwworm a 'little pest' amid U.S. spread. Last year, she called it 'terrifying'
The U.S. agriculture secretary is downplaying the threat posed by the spreading screwworm now compared with her more dire remarks last year.
TL;DR
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins described the New World screwworm as a 'little pest' on Monday, contrasting with her 'terrifying' remarks from last year.
- Rollins' current messaging aims to reassure the public that the USDA is managing the infestation and that the food system is not at risk.
- She blames lax immigration enforcement and the Biden administration for the screwworm's spread into the U.S.
- The screwworm parasite, a flesh-eating larvae, can be damaging or fatal to cattle and threatens to further increase beef prices, which are already high due to inflation.
- Six cases have been detected in Texas and New Mexico, prompting the USDA to implement containment measures, including releasing sterile flies.
- Democrats have criticized the Trump administration and Rollins, stating their policies have left the U.S. food supply vulnerable.
- An outbreak similar to the 1972 infestation could cause approximately $3 billion in damage, according to the Dallas Fed.