Bill > HR3806

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study on the United States' preparedness for potential New World screwworm (NWS) outbreaks, a parasitic fly whose larvae can cause severe damage and death in warm-blooded animals. The study will examine multiple critical aspects, including the current threat level from NWS, the country's capacity to produce sterile flies as a control method, existing surveillance and detection systems, emergency response plans, research needs, and international cooperation strategies. The Secretary must consult with various stakeholders such as livestock producers, wildlife management agencies, veterinary professionals, and scientific experts. Within a specified timeframe, the Secretary is required to submit a detailed report to congressional agricultural committees that outlines the study's findings and provides recommendations for legislative and administrative actions to enhance the nation's ability to prevent and respond to potential NWS outbreaks. The bill highlights the historical success of eradicating NWS in the 1960s and the increasing risk of reintroduction due to recent detections in neighboring countries, emphasizing the importance of proactive preparedness measures to protect agricultural economies, wildlife populations, and public health.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3806/all-info