Tag

Swass

All articles tagged with #swass

Return of the New World screwworm roils US beef markets amid cross-border crime links
science1 month ago

Return of the New World screwworm roils US beef markets amid cross-border crime links

A revived New World screwworm has been found in the US (Texas and New Mexico) after decades of eradication, with researchers tracing its comeback to illegal Central American cattle trafficking; the outbreak threatens billions in beef losses, has involved a dog case in New Mexico, and has spurred discussions on control methods including sterile fly releases and the controversial SWASS tool, underscoring the need for cross-border action to halt the pest at its source.

New World Screwworm Sparks Federal Rebuke of Texas Official Over Reporting Remarks
agriculture1 month ago

New World Screwworm Sparks Federal Rebuke of Texas Official Over Reporting Remarks

The U.S. Department of Agriculture publicly rebuked Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller after he suggested ranchers might avoid reporting New World screwworm infestations due to quarantine restrictions, as Texas logged five confirmed cases in less than a week and New Mexico reported a case. Federal officials emphasize that rapid reporting enables containment through quarantines, surveillance, sterile fly releases, and other tools; Miller advocates deploying SWASS in addition to sterile flies. Governor Abbott and Rollins stressed a coordinated response, and a new senior advisor for screwworm preparedness was named.