By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Legislation aimed at strengthening the federal response to New World screwworm (NWS) was introduced in Congress.

The Safeguarding America’s Food Economy and Controlling Agricultural Threats to Livestock and Enterprises Act, known as the SAFE CATTLE Act, would establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI). The agreement would coordinate efforts to prevent, control and eradicate New World screwworm (NWS) in wildlife on federal lands.

U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson introduced the bill to the U.S. House, alongside U.S. Reps. Don Davis, Harriet Hageman and Darren Soto.

If passed, the bill would direct USDA and DOI to coordinate surveillance and monitoring for early detection, implement eradication protocols to protect wildlife and other species on federal lands, and develop science- and risk-based approaches to support business continuity for all non-infected animals and non-contaminated federal areas.

“The SAFE CATTLE Act is a critical step in fortifying the Federal government’s response against the devastating threat of the New World screwworm, which puts over $11 billion in economic value from Texas’ livestock and wildlife industries at immediate risk,” Jackson said. “By ensuring the USDA and DOI are operating in lockstep, we are building on the proactive investments of the Trump administration to combat this parasite and prevent its spread before it destroys our rural communities.”

Hageman noted the bill will encourage the federal groups to work together for the good of agriculture and livestock.

“The import of New World screwworm is a serious threat to America’s livestock, wildlife, and food supply, and we cannot afford a fragmented federal response,” Hageman said. “The SAFE CATTLE Act requires real coordination between the Departments of Agriculture and of the Interior, so outbreaks are detected early, contained quickly and stopped before they devastate producers and rural communities. This bill protects our wildlife and the agricultural backbone of this country before a crisis hits.”

Davis emphasized the importance of proactive monitoring to safeguard livestock and the nation’s food supply.

Texas Farm Bureau supports the legislation.

“Protecting animal health requires addressing the role wildlife can play in spreading serious diseases like New World screwworm,” Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said. “With few options to respond once wildlife are affected, strong surveillance and coordination are essential. We thank Congressman Jackson for introducing this legislation and urge Congress to advance it to help protect our cattle herd and national food security.”

The full bill text can be found here.