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Officials warn of New World screwworm threat; call for surveillance and international coordination
Summary
Members of the subcommittee and laboratory directors described New World screwworm as a major economic threat to cattle and dairy producers if it spreads north from Mexico, and they urged enhanced surveillance, rapid diagnostic recognition by NAHLN labs, and coordination with USDA and state animal health agencies.
The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry heard testimony that the reappearance and spread of the New World screwworm in Mexico presents a major economic threat to U.S. cattle and dairy producers and requires coordinated surveillance and international cooperation. Chairman Mann cited USDA cost estimates discussed at the hearing, saying a contemporary outbreak in Texas alone could cost producers $732 million per year and that historic estimates put annual producer costs as high as $4.3 billion with total economic…
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