What specific federal actions has the USDA taken to respond to the New World screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico?

The USDA has fast-tracked screwworm treatments for farm animals and pets, built a stockpile of those treatments in Texas, surged personnel to affected areas in Texas, confirmed six cases in Texas and New Mexico (affecting four cows, a goat, and a dog), and will distribute $100 million in funding earlier than expected for new screwworm-combating technologies; Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated the agency has more than 100 staff working full-time on screwworm and has been preparing since early last year for its re-emergence.

How has federal staffing reduction impacted the USDA's animal health response capacity, and what is the current staffing level relative to the start of Trump's second term?

The USDA is operating with 25% fewer animal health experts than it had at the start of Trump's second term, following hundreds of staff accepting a financial incentive program as part of the administration's earlier effort to shrink the federal workforce.

US Screwworm Cases Test Months of Federal Preparation

Jun 11, 2026

The U.S. government is fast-tracking veterinary drug approvals and funding to combat a screwworm outbreak threatening the cattle industry, despite staffing shortages. FDA authorized treatments from Elanco and Merck while USDA deploys sterile flies to protect beef supplies.

reuters

2026-06-01

Merck Discusses Using COVID Antiviral Drug for Ebola Response

2026-06-11

US Screwworm Cases Test Months of Federal Preparation

2026-08-20

Ebola Vaccine Enters Phase 3 Trial. Will It Work on a New Target?

US Screwworm Cases Test Months of Federal Preparation

FAQ