A leading dairy industry organization has responded to federal agriculture officials’ confirmation that New World screwworm has made its way back to American soil, marking the pest’s return after being wiped out years ago.
In a statement, the organization’s President and CEO Gregg Doud called the development “a disappointing milestone” while noting that dairy producers have spent more than a year preparing for this scenario alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other agricultural sectors. Doud emphasized that “this development has no effect on food safety” and highlighted that proven methods to fight the screwworm and prevent its spread are already established.
“We appreciate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proactive efforts to prepare for this moment, and we stand ready to work with the department to address any ongoing challenges,” Doud stated.
Following the USDA’s official confirmation of the screwworm’s presence, dairy farmers and livestock producers are committing to work closely with federal, state and local authorities, as well as producer groups, to minimize negative impacts and teach farmers protective measures for their animals. The organization has been developing educational materials to help farmers respond appropriately and plans to keep members updated on significant developments related to the screwworm situation.
The statement also called on officials to base decisions regarding animal transportation and regulatory actions on scientific evidence to prevent economic damage that might exceed the harm caused by the screwworm itself. Additionally, the organization requested sufficient funding to address the problem, noting that it causes animal suffering and poses risks to agricultural producers.
