Talarico Urges Trump USDA to Fully Staff to Combat Flesh-Eating Parasite
The recent detection of New World screwworm in Texas, the first since 1966, highlights concerns about the US Department of Agriculture’s reduced workforce. Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico has called for the reversal of significant job cuts at the USDA, arguing that a fully staffed agency is crucial for providing guidance to ranchers and collaborating with state officials to prevent pest outbreaks. Experts emphasize that the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which experienced substantial employee losses due to cuts, plays a vital role in prevention, a function only noticed when absent. The parasitic fly poses a threat to the cattle industry, potentially increasing beef prices that are already high due to a reduced US herd size and other economic factors.
John Q. Hosedrinker