USDA Update on Coordinated Federal Response to Protect United States from New World Screwworm

Under the decisive leadership of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to make substantial progress on our sweeping, five-pronged plan to protect the nation’s livestock, wildlife, and agricultural communities from the threat of New World screwworm (NWS). This whole-of-government effort reflects the Trump administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding America’s agricultural economy and domestic food supply. As of October 17, NWS has not been detected in any animals or traps in the United States. 

Vigilance and Preparedness at Home

With the support of industry, state, and Tribal partners, the United States remains vigilant against and fully prepared for possible NWS incursions. USDA is deploying intensive surveillance and monitoring systems; investing in NWS innovation; and supporting robust response activities in Mexico and Central America. Our teams are in place along the U.S. border, deploying over 113 NWS-specific traps and lures across high-risk areas of border states, and leveraging thousands of fruit fly/insect traps aligned all along the Southern border. At least 22,210 Cochliomyia flies from traps in all locations have been submitted to NVSL for identification, with no NWS detections to date.