Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) (in this section referred to as NWS) is a parasitic fly whose larvae infest and feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, wildlife, and, in rare cases, humans. (2) NWS infestations can lead to severe damage, secondary infections, and often death in affected animals, posing a significant threat to agricultural economies, wildlife populations, and public health. (3) The United States successfully eradicated NWS in the 1960s through significant efforts, primarily utilizing the sterile insect technique, which involves releasing sterile male flies to disrupt reproduction in wild populations. (4) Recent outbreaks and confirmed detections of NWS in neighboring countries, particularly Mexico, indicate an increasing risk of reintroduction and establishment of NWS within the United States. (5) Proactive measures, including enhanced surveillance, rapid response capabilities, and continued research into innovative control methods, are critical to preventing a widespread NWS outbreak and mitigating its potential economic and ecological impact.