agricultural security

Texas Screwworm Outbreak Fuels Economic Fears as Prevention Programs Cut

The confirmation of a second case of New World screwworm in Texas is understandably causing a stir, especially with fears of a broader outbreak growing. It’s a situation that brings to mind past struggles with this persistent pest and highlights how quickly progress can be undone when preventative measures are scaled back. The very idea of these flesh-eating larvae infesting livestock and potentially even humans is deeply unsettling, and it’s understandable that many are feeling a sense of alarm.

This re-emergence is particularly concerning because it seems to follow a pattern of dismantling scientific programs that were previously effective in controlling such threats.… Continue reading