Abbott Addresses New World Screwworm Threat

Greg Abbott discussed efforts to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm, a livestock pest that poses a significant threat to cattle, ranching operations, and agricultural production. Abbott emphasized that the pest is not a public health threat to humans and highlighted a long-established federal strategy involving the release of sterile flies to disrupt the screwworm's reproductive cycle. The technique has been used successfully in previous eradication efforts. The issue has drawn attention because of the potential economic impact on ranchers, food production, livestock markets, and the broader agricultural economy if the pest were to spread further into the United States. #Texas #GregAbbott #Agriculture #Cattle #Ranching #Livestock #FoodSupply #Biosecurity #Farming #Economy #Agribusiness #TexasNews #BreakingNews #AgricultureNews #USDA