US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins denies aid cuts linked to screwworm resurgence

US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters in La Pryor, Texas, that recent cuts to US overseas aid programs did not cause the reappearance of the screwworm fly, a parasite once eradicated from the United States in the 1960s. She emphasized that the USDA has dramatically expanded its response, increasing dedicated staff from about ten full‑time employees to more than 120—a rise of roughly 1,000 %—to monitor and contain the pest.

State officials have confirmed at least seven infections in Texas and New Mexico. Experts warn that a larger outbreak could inflict billions of dollars in losses on the cattle sector, which is especially critical in Texas, the nation’s largest livestock inventory, and could push meat prices higher.

The controversy stems from criticism that a USAID programme aimed at preventing screwworm spread across the US‑Mexico border was among over 5,300 initiatives eliminated by recent aid reductions. Rollins rejected the link, stating the federal response has been robust and well‑funded.