Rosen Joins Senate Colleagues in Urging Dept. of Agriculture to Address New World Screwworm Outbreak, Protect Farmers and Ranchers

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined Senate colleagues in urging the Department of Agriculture to immediately take further action to contain and respond to the outbreak of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the U.S. The first cases of the New World Screwworm were discovered last week in Texas, and new cases have been announced this week in New Mexico and Texas - risking the health of cattle and other animals and putting further strain on farmers and ranchers at a time when prices have already been rising.

"We write with great concern regarding the current outbreak of New World Screwworm (NWS) within the United States and the growing threat this pest poses to livestock producers, farm workers, companion animals, wildlife, and rural economies across the country," wrote the Senators. "Since June 3, 2026, the United States Department of Agriculture has confirmed at least seven cases of New World Screwworm in Texas and New Mexico. Due to the scale of the animal health threat that New World Screwworm poses to the United States, we urge the USDA to take further immediate action to contain and respond to this emergency."

"We are aware that the USDA has engaged in preliminary efforts to contain this outbreak, including enhanced surveillance, sterile fly releases, coordination with animal health officials in Texas and New Mexico, and the confirmation that the U.S. food supply remains safe," the Senators continued. "These actions are critical first steps, but the evolving situation demands additional actions to ensure that the United States is adequately responding to the significance of this threat."

The full letter can be found HERE.

Senator Rosen has fought to protect Nevada's agriculture, ranchers, and food prices. In March, the legislation she introduced to improve weather forecasting to help Nevada farmers and ranchers prepare for extreme weather advanced out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Last year, Senator Rosen joined Senate colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to reverse course on their harmful plan to import beef from Argentina instead of supporting the American beef industry. She also introduced the No Tariffs on Groceries Act, which would require Congressional approval for any tariff levied on food or agricultural products.

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