Press Release from the Office of Congressman Tony Gonzales
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) hosted a New World Screwworm (NWS) Working Group consisting of federal and state lawmakers, various agricultural, livestock, wild game associations, scientists, veterinarian experts, and Texas farmers and ranchers.
The NWS Working Group shared ideas and collaboration between multiple sectors and all levels of government on the containment of the NWS. This afternoon’s roundtable and “kickoff” discussion harnessed the expert advice of local, state, and federal leaders on preventing the spread of this agricultural pest in the United States and overcoming the serious and potentially deadly consequences that it poses for cattle, livestock, wildlife, domestic pets, and, in some cases, humans.
“Containing the screwworm is a national emergency that must be addressed with the highest sense of urgency. Everything from food supply to our national security is at risk, and with a new infestation detected just 70 miles away from the Texas-Mexico border last week, the stakes are higher than ever,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “We truly need an all-hands-on-deck response to keep this deadly parasite away from the United States. Today’s launching of the New World Screwworm Working Group is a meaningful step forward in bringing expert leaders together to implement effective solutions and Texans getting things done—from ranchers to private industry to lawmakers at all levels of government.”
Congressman Gonzales hosted Texas State Representative Don McLaughlin (HD-80), Office of Texas Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, Office of Texas State House Chairman of the Agriculture and Livestock Committee Representative Ryan Guillen (HD-31), and Kinney County Judge John Paul Schuster. Representatives from the Texas Farm Bureau, Texas A&M University, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Association, and the Exotic Game Association were also in attendance.
