The USDA says a New World screwworm case may have been detected in South Texas, threatening the state’s $15 billion cattle industry and triggering sharp accusations about whether the U.S. is prepared. Texas officials and federal leaders traded criticism over t
A morning briefing that began with a routine update about U.S. cattle quickly turned into a political fight—after the USDA raised the possibility of a New World screwworm case in South Texas, just days after officials said there were no cases in the country.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said a case may have been detected in South Texas, warning that it could affect Texas’s $15 billion cattle industry. The announcement landed with alarm because screwworm outbreaks can harm livestock and force costly treatment and response measures.
The back-and-forth that followed was immediate. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said a social media post by a “very well-intentioned” Texas legislator claiming there was a confirmed New World screwworm case was false.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, however, pushed back in a statement issued Wednesday evening. Miller criticized the USDA’s “slow, bureaucratic and incomplete response” to the screwworm threat.
The dispute now puts two timelines into tension: the federal government’s claim that the public message about confirmation was incorrect, and Texas’s argument that even after the threat surfaced, the response moved too slowly and without enough detail.
In parallel. the day’s briefing also carried entertainment and sports news. including the 25th installment of the Tribeca Festival running June 3-14 across New York City with music films and performances featuring Madonna. Earth. Wind & Fire. and Peter Frampton. And on the NBA stage. the Knicks reached the Finals for the first time since 1999. opening the best-of-7 series with Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs. winning 105-95 in a back-and-forth start.
For now, the key questions remain centered on the screwworm itself and the speed of action. With the USDA saying the case may have been detected—and Texas officials pressing on the urgency of the response—the next days will determine how quickly authorities can move from warning to verification and containment.
New World screwworm USDA Brooke Rollins Sid Miller Texas cattle industry South Texas agriculture livestock health SNAP daily briefing NBA Finals Knicks