A screwworm outbreak threatening cattle in southern Texas sparked a political blame game Saturday as ranchers demanded faster federal containment support.
The parasitic fly larvae feed on living tissue, creating wounds that can kill livestock if untreated.
State agriculture leaders accused Washington of slow funding releases for inspection teams and quarantine barriers along the border region.
Federal officials countered that cooperative agreements require detailed biosecurity plans from each affected county.
Ranchers face costly insecticide protocols and movement restrictions that disrupt auction schedules during peak marketing season.
Veterinarians emphasized early detection through daily herd checks because flies target moist areas around ears and navels.
Livestock auction markets posted disinfection stations at entry gates as buyers demanded proof that herds had been inspected within 72 hours.
Economists estimated that prolonged quarantines could add cents per pound to retail beef prices if slaughter capacity tightens during summer grilling season.
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Sources:
https://apnews.com/