The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced $35 million available in response to the growing threat that feral swine have on American agriculture landscapes and human and livestock health. According to a press release by the USDA, quote, this partnership opportunity is part of a broader $105 million investment for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program, where USDA’s …
Mexico Removes Pseudorabies Restrictions
Mexico has lifted all remaining pseudorabies-related restrictions on U.S. pork offal, reopening an important export market and relieving a costly bottleneck for the pork industry. The restrictions had been in place since late April after PRV was detected in five Iowa boars and were costing U.S. exporters an estimated $6-7 million per week in lost sales. USMEF Vice President of …
USDA Announces Funding for 40 Break Through Projects to Combat NWS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced funding for the 40 Breakthrough projects in an effort to defend against New World Screwworm. Through the program proposals will receive a combined total of $105 million. According to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website this funding will be used “to sharpen detection, accelerate control and eradication tools, and strengthen …
USDA Takes Action Against New World Screwworm
A confirmed detection of New World Screwworm was found recently in Zavala County, Texas. In a post on X, Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, said “The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas Animal Health officials are taking immediate action to contain and eradicate NWS from the area.” Secretary Rollins also spoke on the measures currently being implemented to exterminate NWS, …
USDA Highlights Long History of Animal Insect Research
Last week the USDA opened a new Livestock Insect Research Lab in Kerrville, Texas, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is highlighting their long history of research in animal insects at their facilities in Texas. Kim Lohmeier, Director of the Knippling Bushland U.S. Livestock Insect Research Lab, shares details on this effort “ARS has a really long history of working …
USDA APHIS Announces Shift in NWS Sterile Fly Dispersal Area
The Texas Animal Health Commission reported on Facebook last week that USDA APHIS announced another shift in the dispersal area for sterile flies in a precautionary effort in the fight against New World Screwworm from entering the U.S. While there has been no detections of New World Screwworm in the United States, the Texas Animal Health Commission says that these …
USDA APHIS Releases New World Screwworm Response Playbook
The USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service has released the updated New World Screwworm Response Playbook in the event that the pest is detected in the United States. According to APHIS, “The updated Playbook outlines critical science-based strategies for Federal, state, tribal, and local responders, including how to: Coordinate response operations; Reduce spread and prevent establishment of NWS in new areas; …
USDA APHIS Shifting Sterile Fly Dispersal Efforts
USDA Shifts Sterile Fly Dispersal Efforts to Prevent Spread of New World Screwworm The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced a significant shift in its sterile fly dispersal strategy aimed at stopping the northward spread of New World Screwworm (NWS). The adjustment moves dispersal operations closer to the U.S.-Mexico border to reinforce protection …
USDA Names New APHIS Leadership
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced upcoming leadership changes within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), with new appointments taking effect February 1. The changes come as longtime leaders retire after years of service focused on protecting American agriculture, animal health, and national biosecurity. According to USDA, Dr. Michael Watson, the current APHIS Administrator, will be retiring …
USDA Response To NWS Detections Enhanced By New Tampico Mexico Facility
USDA Unveils Sterile Fly Production Facility in Tampico to Strengthen New World Screwworm Response With the recent detections of New World Screwworm in Mexico, U.S. and Mexican agricultural authorities are intensifying efforts to prevent the pest from advancing northward. The USDA, in partnership with Mexico’s agriculture agency, has announced the development of a new sterile fly production facility in Tampico, …








