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USDA defends screwworm response amid congressional fingerpointing
By Guest Contributor at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· June 24, 2026
· 10 min read
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissues of warm-blooded animals. Credit: USDA website
By Gabby Birenbaum, The Texas Tribune
WASHINGTON At a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing earlier this month, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was resolute — her ...
Key takeaway Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was resolute — her agency was well-prepared for the New World screwworm, and had kept it at bay for months before the first case was confirmed in a South Texas calf in early June.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The New World screwworm's arrival in Texas has significant implications for the Permian Basin's livestock industry, a crucial part of the local economy. With thousands of cattle herds at risk, the USDA's response will be closely watched by ranchers and farmers in Ector County. The shortage of sterile flies needed to combat the parasite is particularly concerning, as it may lead to a prolonged outbreak that could devastate local herds. The $1.3 billion in emergency funding secured by Secretary Rollins will likely be used to expand capacity at the Panama facility, but it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to meet the demand for sterile flies. As the situation unfolds, local officials will need to work closely with the USDA to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated to protect the region's livestock industry.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 10 min
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What is this story about? The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissues of warm-blooded animals. Credit: USDA website
By Gabby Birenbaum, The Texas Tribune
WASHINGTON At a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing earlier this month, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was resolute — her ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Guest Contributor at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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