A bipartisan group of Congressional lawmakers is pressing federal agencies to expedite regulatory approvals for antiparasitic treatments as the New World screwworm (NWS) advances northward through Mexico toward the U.S. border, threatening the nation's livestock industry with potentially devastating economic consequences.
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas and U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida are spearheading the legislative effort, having sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling for swift interagency coordination to address the growing parasitic threat.
Economic Stakes Drive Regulatory Urgency
The economic implications of inaction are substantial. USDA estimates indicate that a New World screwworm outbreak in Texas alone could cost producers $732 million per year and result in a total economic loss of $1.8 billion for the state. These projections underscore the urgency behind the lawmakers' push for regulatory reform.
"The letter highlights the serious health and economic risks posed by NWS, which is moving north through Mexico and approaching the U.S. border," Gonzales stated, emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of the threat.
Proven Treatments Await U.S. Approval
The lawmakers are specifically pressing HHS to expedite approvals for four antiparasitic treatments: ivermectin, doramectin, permethrin and coumaphos. These compounds have demonstrated effectiveness against screwworm infestations in international markets but currently lack proper U.S. labeling required for domestic deployment.
The letter references the successful 2016 emergency approval of doramectin as a regulatory precedent, suggesting that expedited pathways for approval already exist within the federal framework. This historical example provides a model for the type of swift action the lawmakers are seeking.
Interagency Coordination Strategy
The Congressional initiative calls for coordinated action between HHS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and pharmaceutical manufacturers. This multi-agency approach aligns with USDA's new five-pronged strategy for screwworm management, which includes plans for a sterile fly dispersal facility in South Texas.
"By working hand-in-hand with USDA and EPA, HHS can cut through bureaucratic red tape to ensure that veterinarians, ranchers, and wildlife managers have the tools they need before an outbreak hits," Cammack explained, highlighting the collaborative nature of the proposed solution.
Legislative Support Spans Multiple States
The bipartisan effort has garnered support from lawmakers representing livestock-producing states across the country. Additional signatories to the letter include U.S. Reps. Tracey Mann and Brian Babin of Texas, Derek Schmidt of Kansas, David Valadao of California, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, and Michael Guest of Mississippi.
Broader Legislative Framework
The regulatory push represents one component of a comprehensive legislative response to the screwworm threat. Gonzales has previously introduced the STOP Screwworms Act and has been leading funding efforts through his position on the House Appropriations Committee, working alongside USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to establish screwworm eradication facilities.
"Fast-tracking approvals for anti-parasitic treatments for livestock is another important step we must take to protect our livestock industry from the New World screwworm," Gonzales said. "I am determined to do everything possible to eliminate this deadly parasite."
The lawmakers emphasize that time is critical, as safe and effective treatments are already deployed globally but remain inaccessible to U.S. producers due to regulatory barriers. The initiative represents a proactive approach to addressing a parasitic threat that could significantly impact the nation's agricultural economy if left unchecked.
