Dear Friends,

As you may have heard, the New World Screwworm (NWS), which was eradicated in the 1960s, has been confirmed in Texas. With verified cases affecting livestock across multiple counties, this outbreak presents an immediate threat to our state’s $15 billion cattle industry. But make no mistake, this infestation was preventable; the Administration’s failure to implement swift countermeasures could devastate South Texas ranchers, wildlife, and our communities as a whole.

What is NWS? It’s a parasitic fly, whose flesh-eating larvae (maggots) burrow into the wounds of cattle and other warm-blooded animals. In rare cases, humans can be infected, but the risk is low.

What can we do? This pest thrives in warmer climate, so awareness and early detection are critical now that the intense Texas heat has arrived. Learn more about the signs and symptoms here. You can also report NWS to the Texas Animal Health Commission Region Office at 1-800-550-8242.

Outbreaks are primarily combated through a sterile fly technique, which involves breeding and releasing large quantities of sterile male fly screwworms. To learn more, please visit the USDA guidance page.

My work on this issue: Last year, I met with leading experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Kerrville, Texas, to discuss eradication efforts and bring ideas back to Washington. Since then, I’ve been consistently sounding the alarm on much-needed prevention efforts to eradicate the NWS. To read more about my work please visit my website.

It was clear then and still is that the Administration has not produced enough sterile flies to combat this pest. While the recent opening of a new sterile fly facility in South Texas is welcomed, it won’t be operational until fall 2027.

Moreover, the Administration opted to cut funding for early detection and prevention as part of their “waste, fraud, and abuse” agenda. These cuts—coupled with the billions in taxpayer dollars spent in support of Argentinian beef—further jeopardized our cattle markets.

With inflation already on the rise from extreme Republican policies, the last thing South Texans need is a potential hit to their livelihoods and food supply. Rest assured I’ll continue to advocate for more funding to secure additional sterile fly production facilities, hold the Administration accountable, and ensure your voice and concerns are heard. Stay vigilant and stay safe!  

Welcoming the RGV to D.C.!

Every year, our local leaders in the Rio Grande Valley visit Washington, D.C., to advocate for South Texas priorities, such as improving public education, bringing more businesses and industry to our region, and increasing access to health care. With my office’s help, we were able to convene meaningful discussions at the federal level to continue putting the RGV on the map for federal support. Together, we will build a stronger South Texas that will create better economic opportunities for generations to come!  

Sincerely,

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34)

Please do not reply to this email as this inbox is not monitored. Instead, please visit Gonzalez.House.Gov or call us at (956) 682-5545 or (202) 225-2531.