By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Vice President Warren Cude urged lawmakers to continue supporting efforts to combat New World screwworm during testimony before the Texas House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on Thursday.

Cude, who ranches in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas, outlined TFB’s priorities for protecting livestock producers and strengthening the state’s response to the pest, including expanding sterile fly production capacity, improving producer awareness and maintaining strong coordination among state and federal partners.

“Expanding sterile fly production capacity is critical to ensuring the United States has the resources necessary to respond to this threat,” Cude told lawmakers.

He highlighted the sterile fly production facility under development at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, which is expected to play a major role in future eradication efforts.

“The sterile insect technique has long been proven as the most effective tool for eradicating and suppressing New World screwworm populations,” Cude said.

He noted TFB appreciates the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) efforts to accelerate development of the facility and its recognition of the threat posed by the pest.

“The commitment shown by federal leadership to move this project forward on an expedited timeline reflects the seriousness of the threat and the importance of protecting American agriculture,” he said. “Likewise, Governor Abbott has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring Texas remains prepared and engaged in protecting our agricultural industry.”

In addition to discussing infrastructure and response efforts, Cude addressed public concerns surrounding the pest.

“It is also important that we address misinformation and public perception surrounding this issue,” he said. “New World screwworm is fundamentally a food production and animal health challenge, not a food safety issue.”

The importance of early detection and reporting, Cude said, remains critical to preventing the establishment and spread of New World screwworm.

“Continued vigilance remains our first line of defense. Early detection is essential to prevent the establishment and spread of New World screwworm,” he told the lawmakers.

Ranchers, veterinarians and wildlife managers play a critical role in identifying suspicious cases and reporting them quickly. That allows animal health officials to respond before isolated cases become larger outbreaks.

“The ongoing coordination among USDA, state animal health officials, border agencies, industry stakeholders and livestock producers is essential to maintaining a robust defense against this pest,” he said. “The New World screwworm threat serves as an important reminder that preparedness, vigilance and cooperation are our best defenses.”

Other groups and agencies providing testimony included USDA, Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

For more information on New World screwworm, visit screwworm.gov or texasfarmbureau.org/advocacy/new-world-screwworm.