Livestock markets and dealers strongly support recent efforts to stop the spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS) into the U.S.
The introduction of the bipartisan and bicameral Strengthening Tactics to Obstruct the Population of Screwworms (STOP Screwworms) Act, which would authorize funds for and direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to begin construction on a new sterile fly production facility to combat the growing NWS outbreak, was welcomed by livestock marketers and dealers.
“We are grateful to U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX) for introducing this legislation,” said Bryan Forester, Chair of the American Livestock Markets and Dealers Association (ALMDA). Forester noted, “The sterile fly production facility and related appropriations authorized by this legislation is critical to protect the U.S. livestock industry.”
Recent action by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to temporarily suspend live animal imports at ports of entry along the Mexican border in response to the emerging threat of NWS was also welcomed and supported by livestock markets and dealers.
“While we acknowledge the temporary market challenges this decision may create, we stand behind the efforts of USDA and state animal health officials to safeguard domestic livestock production,” said Kenny Mingus, President of the Livestock Marketing Association of Texas (LMAT). Mingus added, “If halting imports is necessary to protect the U.S. livestock industry, we fully support this action.”
In Texas alone, livestock markets and dealers account for more than $14.5 billion in economic activity, providing marketing channels for cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and other species which could be impacted by NWS. The NWS would be devastating to the livestock producers, businesses, and employees supported by the livestock marketers.
ALMDA and LMAT represent the majority of Texas livestock markets and dealers. Both organizations have supported efforts to fund sterile fly production and work within state and national coalitions to educate others on NWS impacts. Both organizations will continue to work closely with federal and state animal health officials to ensure the health and security of the livestock industry.
About the American Livestock Markets and Dealers Association
The American Livestock Markets and Dealers Association (ALMDA) is a national association serving livestock markets, order buyers, dealers, and professional livestock marketers throughout the U.S. For more information, please visit www.americanlivestock.org.
About the Livestock Marketing Association of Texas
The Livestock Marketing Association of Texas (LMAT) served Texas livestock markets, order buyers, dealers, and professional livestock marketers. For more information, please visit www.lmatexas.org.
Media Contact:
info@americanlivestock.org