EXCLUSIVE: Cattle industry chief warns flesh-eating fly menaces US herds as Mexico yields on pest fight

Fox News - Apr 30th, 2025

Buck Wehrbein, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, has raised urgent concerns about the reemergence of the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly threatening U.S. livestock. Despite recent progress credited to pressure from the Trump administration and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Wehrbein warns that the threat is still significant as the screwworm advances through Mexico towards the U.S. A recent agreement allows U.S. planes to resume sterile fly releases in Mexico, a key measure in combating the outbreak, but uncertainty remains over other bureaucratic hurdles that have hampered efforts.

The reemergence of the screwworm highlights vulnerabilities in bi-national biosecurity efforts and the need for stronger domestic capabilities. The U.S. had previously eradicated the pest in the 1960s, but it has been creeping back from Central America. The crisis underscores the importance of cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities, as any delay in containment could lead to devastating impacts on the cattle industry. The situation has also prompted discussions about the reliance on international partners for biosecurity measures and the potential need for domestic production of sterile flies to prevent future threats.

Trump Administration Mexico Brooke Rollins Usda Buck Wehrbein Ncba Screwworm Cattle Industry

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights the pressing issue of the screwworm threat to U.S. agriculture, supported by credible sources and clear context. Its strengths lie in factual reporting and timeliness, addressing a current and significant concern for the cattle industry. However, it could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including insights from Mexican authorities and independent experts. While it provides a detailed account of U.S. actions and concerns, some claims, particularly regarding political influences, lack direct evidence. Overall, the article serves as an informative piece on a critical biosecurity challenge, though it stops short of exploring broader implications and solutions.

Accuracy

The article generally aligns with known facts regarding the screwworm threat and efforts to combat it. Key claims, such as the USDA's import restrictions and the use of sterile fly programs, are supported by official sources like the USDA and NCBA. However, some assertions, particularly the role of the Trump administration, lack direct evidence and appear to be more speculative. The article also mentions unresolved issues like import duties and seven-day operations without confirmation, indicating areas needing further verification.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of U.S. officials and the NCBA, emphasizing their concerns and actions. While it briefly mentions Mexican cooperation, it lacks a comprehensive view from Mexican authorities or independent experts, which could provide a fuller picture of the situation. The focus on U.S. interests and actions may lead to an imbalance, as it does not equally represent the perspectives of all stakeholders involved.

Clarity

The article is well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the issue of the screwworm threat. It uses clear language and provides necessary background information, such as the history of screwworm eradication and current containment efforts. The tone remains neutral, focusing on factual reporting rather than sensationalism, which aids in comprehension.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as the USDA and NCBA, which are authoritative on agricultural and cattle industry issues. The inclusion of direct quotes from Buck Wehrbein and references to official communications from Secretary Rollins adds to the reliability. However, the absence of direct input from Mexican officials or independent experts slightly limits the breadth of source quality.

Transparency

The article provides a clear context of the screwworm threat and the actions taken by U.S. officials. It cites specific dates and events, such as the USDA's ultimatum and the timeline of the screwworm's detection. However, it lacks transparency regarding the basis for some claims, particularly those related to the Trump administration's influence and unresolved issues with Mexico, which are not fully detailed or sourced.