For Immediate Release
Contact: R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard
Phone: 406-252-2516; r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com
BILLINGS, Mont., June 3, 2026 — Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that New World screwworm was confirmed in the United States. The pest was detected in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas, and the USDA stated it has mobilized response personnel and coordination efforts in the impacted area.
In its statement, USDA said current response efforts include forming a unified Incident Command Team with the Texas Animal Health Commission, establishing an infested zone with movement controls and surveillance measures, expanding sterile fly release efforts, increasing trapping activities, implementing wildlife surveillance strategies, and conducting targeted outreach efforts in impacted areas.
R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard issued the following statement in response:
“This confirmation marks a serious moment for American livestock producers and requires an immediate, coordinated response to protect animal health, the national cattle herd, America’s livestock producers, and our nation’s food supply.
“We now switch from prevention to eradication. Producers need to be intensely vigilant in monitoring their livestock and reporting suspected cases to their veterinarian. We must push this pest back to Mexico and then continue efforts to push it back to Central America.”
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Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) is the largest producer-only cattle trade association in the United States. It is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle and sheep industries. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or call 406-252-2516.