WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) introduced the Safeguarding America’s Food Economy and Controlling Agricultural Threats to Livestock and Enterprises Act or the SAFE CATTLE Act. This bill will establish a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) to carry out, and coordinate on, activities to prevent, control, and eradicate New World screwworm in wildlife species on federal lands. Representatives Don Davis (D-NC), Harriet Hageman (R-WY), and Darren Soto (D-FL) are co-leading this bill in the House.
“The SAFE CATTLE Act is a critical step in fortifying the Federal government’s response against the devastating threat of the New World screwworm, which puts over $11 billion in economic value from Texas’ livestock and wildlife industries at immediate risk,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “By ensuring the USDA and DOI are operating in lockstep, we are building on the proactive investments of the Trump administration to combat this parasite and prevent its spread before it destroys our rural communities.”
“The import of New World screwworm is a serious threat to America’s livestock, wildlife, and food supply, and we cannot afford a fragmented federal response,” said Rep. Harriet Hageman. “The SAFE CATTLE Act requires real coordination between the Departments of Agriculture and of the Interior, so outbreaks are detected early, contained quickly, and stopped before they devastate producers and rural communities. This bill protects our wildlife and the agricultural backbone of this country before a crisis hits."
“The devastation resulting from the New World screwworm south of the Darién Gap must not be repeated in eastern North Carolina or across the United States,” said Rep. Don Davis. “Our producers and ranchers need proactive monitoring and interagency coordination to stop the screwworm before it threatens livestock, our food supply, and local economies.”
“I’m proud to co-sponsor the SAFE CATTLE Act to strengthen coordination between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of the Interior to prevent, control, and ultimately eradicate the New World screwworm on our federal lands,” said Rep. Darren Soto. “Osceola County is home to one of the largest cattle herd in the country. Protecting wildlife and non-livestock species from this destructive parasite is critical to preserving biodiversity, safeguarding ecosystems, and preventing broader economic and agricultural harm.“
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Carl Ray Polk Jr., President: “New World screwworm poses a real threat not just to cattle, but to the wildlife that can spread it. With no viable treatment options for wildlife, surveillance is our first line of defense. The SAFE CATTLE ACT ensures wildlife are properly included in disease monitoring efforts on U.S. soil, protecting our cattle herd as we plan for a potential outbreak that could devastate our nation’s economy.”
Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Laphe LaRoe, Chairman: "Texas Cattle Feeders Association appreciates Rep. Jackson's efforts to encourage cooperation and coordination between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior in our fight against the New World Screwworm. The screwworm doesn't care about geopolitical boundaries or agencies' jurisdictions, and neither does wildlife. This bill will help remove administrative barriers and allow animal health officials to implement preventative measures and respond to threats on federally owned and managed lands."
Texas Farm Bureau, Russell Boening, President: “Texas Farm Bureau supports the ‘SAFE Cattle Act’ authored by Congressman Ronny Jackson. Protecting animal health requires addressing the role wildlife can play in spreading serious diseases like New World screwworm. With few options to respond once wildlife are affected, strong surveillance and coordination are essential. We thank Congressman Jackson for introducing this legislation and urge Congress to advance it to help protect our cattle herd and national food security.”
Texas Wildlife Association, Justin Dreibelbis, CEO: “The Texas Wildlife Association and its members welcome the introduction of the SAFE CATTLE Act by Rep. Jackson, ensuring a coordinated governmental response to the threat posed by the New World screwworm. As we saw over 50 years ago, successful eradication will require that state and federal wildlife and animal health partners work in tandem to manage data and resource needs. This legislation strengthens our growing whole-of-government response effort.”
Comprehensive list of stakeholders supporting: American Farm Bureau Federation, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and the Texas Wildlife Association.
Bill text can be found here.
