Political blame game follows as screwworm parasite threatens cattle in Texas

Article excerpt

A parasitic screwworm infestation threatening Texas cattle has triggered a political dispute over responsibility and response. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned the problem could balloon into a billion-dollar international crisis, but stressed it remains containable through vigilant ranching practices and rapid treatment. The screwworm, a fly larva that burrows into livestock wounds, has historically been eradicated from the U.S. but has resurged, prompting officials to demand ranchers monitor herds closely while lawmakers spar over who failed to prevent the outbreak.