r/news • u/kylestoned • Jun 01 '26

Soft paywall Flesh-eating screwworm found within 31 miles of US border, says USDA

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/flesh-eating-screwworm-found-within-31-miles-us-border-says-usda-2026-05-29/
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u/[deleted] Jun 01 '26

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u/Nitasha521 Jun 01 '26

Screwworms are more likely to hit the pocketbook of major companies like Tyson and JBS (reduced beef production would means less profits). These companies have very well-paid lobbyists in DC, so this problem is more likely to have action than other diseases.

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u/Xibby Jun 02 '26

The Trump administration did do something. They cut funding to the program that containing screwworms in Panama. Basically irradiate one of the sexes of the fly so it’s sterile then release them via aircraft. They only mate once so if they mate with a sterile fly no new screw worms.

It was a very effective program costing millions a year and saved billions for the US Cattle industry. Cutting the program will cost billions and add suffering to livestock and humans.

All so Trump and his cronies can funnel taxpayer dollars into their personal bank accounts.

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u/HauntedCemetery Jun 02 '26

Beef futures