Screwworm spread tests US readiness after Trump staffing cuts

The New World screwworm’s reemergence has put U.S. readiness to the test as experts track its northward march after decades of eradication, signaling a renewed national priority for livestock and wildlife protection. Officials say the parasite is moving steadily toward the United States, prompting renewed use of eradication methods developed in the 1950s and a reactivation of a long‑standing playbook. The administration reports thousands of traps deployed across the U.S. and into Mexico, and fast-tracked approvals of animal drugs to treat infestations, with the FDA issuing three conditional approvals and ten emergency-use authorizations. Agencies are expanding surveillance and rebuilding sterile‑insect facilities, while Texas is highlighted as having begun preparations earlier.

Nevertheless, staffing constraints complicate the effort, as the Trump administration cut thousands of positions, with USDA losing roughly 20,000 employees between January 2025 and January 2026. APHIS reportedly lost more, underscoring how workforce reductions hamper surge capacity in a time of emerging pest threats. Officials emphasize a durable playbook and ongoing partnerships with ranchers, veterinarians, and industry to stay ahead of the pest, including expanded surveillance and improved coordination. Texas A&M entomology professor Sonja Swiger notes that collaboration across agencies has been essential, with dedication to protecting at‑risk livestock and wildlife.