USDA Secretary Criticizes Texas Ag Commissioner Amid Screwworm Crisis
USDA Secretary Rollins calls Texas ag chief 'unserious' amid screwworm threat

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USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins labeled Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller 'unserious' after he criticized the USDA's slow response to the New World Screwworm threat. The pest, detected in Texas, poses risks to cattle and beef prices, prompting urgent containment efforts.
- 01The New World Screwworm was detected in Texas, threatening cattle health and beef prices.
- 02USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins criticized Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller for his comments on the USDA's response.
- 03Miller urged the USDA to implement the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS) for effective pest control.
- 04USDA is deploying sterile flies and increasing surveillance to combat the infestation.
- 05The screwworm can be deadly to cattle if not treated early, but it does not threaten food safety.
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Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins publicly criticized Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, labeling his comments regarding the USDA's response to the New World Screwworm as 'unserious.' This follows Miller's accusations that the USDA acted too slowly after the pest was detected in Texas last week. The screwworm poses a significant threat to cattle, potentially exacerbating already high beef prices. Miller, who recently lost a primary election despite President Trump's endorsement, has called for the USDA to adopt the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS), which combines insecticides with sterile flies for pest control. In response, Rollins emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the USDA is taking action at 'Trump speed' to ramp up efforts, including the deployment of sterile flies and increased surveillance. The USDA urges cattle producers to report any cases of screwworm immediately, as early detection is crucial for treatment. The pest, which can cause severe harm to cattle, was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s but has resurfaced, necessitating swift and coordinated action from agricultural leaders.
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The presence of the New World Screwworm threatens the health of cattle in Texas, which could lead to increased beef prices and economic strain on ranchers.
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