CBP supports federal response to New World screwworm threat
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal partners, is helping to eradicate the New World screwworm, a serious pest that, left untreated, can cause severe and even deadly harm to livestock, wildlife, pets, and, less commonly, people and birds.
“CBP is committed to supporting USDA and our federal, state, local, and industry partners in preventing the spread of New World screwworm,” said Deputy Executive Director Suzette Kelly of CBP’s Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison, Office of Field Operations. “By helping facilitate the timely movement of sterile flies, training frontline personnel, and sharing critical information, CBP is helping protect U.S. agriculture, animal health, and the broader economy.”
Sterile flies are at the center of this federal fight. As of Aug. 16, USDA has confirmed 47 NWS cases, including 46 in Texas and one in New Mexico, with four active cases in three Texas counties. USDA’s Sterile Insect Technique program is working to stop the pest’s reproductive cycle by releasing large numbers of sterile flies into the affected areas.
CBP’s role in the federal response also includes extensive personnel training, intelligence and information sharing, public awareness support, and clearing critical supplies and equipment needed for response operations. In addition, CBP helps ensure compliance with immigration laws for foreign nationals, such as pilots and mechanics, who may travel to the United States to support USDA’s NWS response efforts.
CBP’s Office of Field Operations facilitated 96 shipments of sterile NWS pupae and viable NWS flies arriving from Panama through Del Rio International Airport, McAllen International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and the Port of Pharr/Hidalgo. When sterile male flies mate with wild female flies, no offspring are produced, reducing the population over time and helping prevent the spread of the pest.
CBP’s Office of Trade Relations also hosted an NWS awareness-level webinar July 26 highlighting USDA and CBP efforts to combat the NWS threat and provide stakeholders with important information about the federal response.
Members of the public, livestock owners, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of New World screwworm to the appropriate animal health authorities. The public may also report related concerns through CBP’s e-Allegations program on CBP.gov.
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