Screwworm parasite returns to US cattle after 60 years, sparking political blame game
The New World screwworm parasite has returned to the U.S. for the first time in 60 years, threatening the cattle industry. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas to observe sterile fly releases and blamed the Biden administration for the parasite's return, citing lax immigration enforcement and the flies leaving their containment zone in Panama. Democrats counter that Trump-era cuts to the USDA and fewer inspectors are responsible. Scientists argue the return was inevitable due to a slowed eradication campaign and climate change. The USDA plans to spend over $1 billion to combat the pest through sterile fly production.
Key quotes
The screwworm could devastate the nation's cattle industry.
Democratic leaders say cuts to the nation's agriculture agency under President Donald Trump are to blame.
Scientists say the return was inevitable due to a slowed eradication campaign and the warming planet.
The USDA plans to spend over $1 billion to combat the pest, including producing sterile flies to control the population.
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