Roger Williams
05/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/01/2026 09:43
Congressman Williams Leads Letter Urging Action to Prevent Screwworm Outbreak
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), alongside several of his Texas delegation colleagues, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging the expedited development and rollout of additional injectable, preventative, and reactive treatments that will combat New World Screwworm infestations in sheep and goats.
"The threat of a New World Screwworm outbreak north of the American Mexican border poses serious risks to our livestock industry and food supply," said Congressman Williams. "I am grateful for all the work that Secretary Kennedy has done while leading the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and I look forward to his leadership on this matter as we work to ensure that sheep and goats are not left vulnerable."
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Background:
In the letter, Congressman Roger Williams raised concerns that current approved treatments focus primarily on cattle, leaving other vulnerable warm-blooded animals, such as sheep and goats, at risk. Expanding access to proven treatments, including doramectin and ivermectin, which are effective in combating topical screwworm, is critical.
Allowing sheep and goats to remain untreated will perpetuate an infestation, leaving all warm-blooded animals vulnerable to screwworms. As a result of any infestation, states' abilities to export livestock or animal products will be severely disrupted.
Congressman Roger Williams was joined by Congressman Chip Roy (R- Texas), Congressman Brian Babin (R-Texas), Congressman Pete Sessions (R-Texas), Congressman August Pfluger (R-Texas), Congressman Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-Texas), Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Congressman John Carter (R-Texas), and Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-Montana).
Supporting Organizations: Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association.
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Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and a member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.
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