[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3806 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3806
To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report on
strategies to combat the New World screwworm and enhance the United
States' preparedness and response capabilities against potential
outbreaks.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 6, 2025
Ms. De La Cruz (for herself, Mr. Babin, Mr. Roy, Mr. Pfluger, Mr. Tony
Gonzales of Texas, Mr. Gooden, Mr. Crenshaw, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Williams
of Texas, Mr. Nehls, Mr. Arrington, and Mr. Gill of Texas) introduced
the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report on
strategies to combat the New World screwworm and enhance the United
States' preparedness and response capabilities against potential
outbreaks.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``New World Screwworm Preparedness Act
of 2025''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) (in
this section referred to as ``NWS'') is a parasitic fly whose
larvae infest and feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded
animals, including livestock, wildlife, and, in rare cases,
humans.
(2) NWS infestations can lead to severe damage, secondary
infections, and often death in affected animals, posing a
significant threat to agricultural economies, wildlife
populations, and public health.
(3) The United States successfully eradicated NWS in the
1960s through significant efforts, primarily utilizing the
sterile insect technique, which involves releasing sterile male
flies to disrupt reproduction in wild populations.
(4) Recent outbreaks and confirmed detections of NWS in
neighboring countries, particularly Mexico, indicate an
increasing risk of reintroduction and establishment of NWS
within the United States.
(5) Proactive measures, including enhanced surveillance,
rapid response capabilities, and continued research into
innovative control methods, are critical to preventing a
widespread NWS outbreak and mitigating its potential economic
and ecological impact.
SEC. 3. STUDY AND REPORT ON NEW WORLD SCREWWORM PREPAREDNESS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the
Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (in
this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall conduct a
comprehensive study on the current State of United States preparedness
and response capabilities to combat the New World screwworm (in this
section referred to as ``NWS'').
(b) Components of the Study.--The study under this section shall
include the following:
(1) Current threat assessment.--An analysis of the current
threat posed by NWS to the United States, including--
(A) the migratory patterns and confirmed detections
of NWS in countries bordering the United States;
(B) the potential pathways for NWS introduction
into the United States;
(C) the economic impact of a potential NWS outbreak
on the United States livestock industry, including
cattle, swine, and other susceptible animals; and
(D) the ecological impact of a potential NWS
outbreak on domestic wildlife populations.
(2) Sterile insect technique capabilities.--A review of the
United States capacity to produce and deploy sterile NWS flies,
including--
(A) the current status and capacity of existing NWS
sterile fly production facilities;
(B) the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of
establishing new or expanding existing modular NWS
sterile fly rearing facilities within the United
States, including potential locations based on risk
assessment; and
(C) the logistical requirements for effective
dispersal of sterile flies in areas at risk of
infestation.
(3) Surveillance and detection systems.--An evaluation of
current NWS surveillance and detection systems, including--
(A) the effectiveness of border inspection
protocols for live animals;
(B) the adequacy of diagnostic capabilities and
laboratory infrastructure; and
(C) the integration of public and private sector
reporting mechanisms for suspected NWS cases.
(4) Emergency response plans.--An examination of existing
emergency response plans for NWS outbreaks, including--
(A) the coordination mechanisms between Federal,
State, and local agencies;
(B) the availability of resources for rapid
containment and eradication efforts; and
(C) protocols for animal movement restrictions and
public outreach during an outbreak.
(5) Research and development needs.--Identification of
critical research and development needs to enhance NWS
prevention, control, and eradication, including--
(A) new diagnostic tools;
(B) improved sterile insect techniques;
(C) alternative control methods; and
(D) genetic research into NWS vulnerabilities.
(6) International cooperation.--An assessment of the
effectiveness of current international co-operation efforts
with affected countries and recommendations for strengthening
such partnerships to establish and maintain biological
barriers.
(c) Stakeholder Consultation.--In conducting the study under this
section, the Secretary shall consult with relevant stakeholders,
including--
(1) livestock producers and industry associations;
(2) wildlife management agencies;
(3) veterinary professionals;
(4) scientific experts in entomology, epidemiology, and
animal health; and
(5) State and local agricultural and public health
officials.
(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, and make publicly
available, a report--
(1) detailing the findings of the study under this section;
and
(2) providing recommendations for legislative and
administrative actions to improve the United States' ability to
combat NWS.
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