Dr. Deborah Birx told Newsmax on Tuesday that Texas ranchers, state officials and federal authorities must work together to contain the spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that has now been confirmed in five animals in Texas and New Mexico.
Birx, former White House COVID-19 response coordinator during President Donald Trump's first term, on "American Agenda" praised the response led by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and highlighted the importance of rapid reporting by livestock owners.
"It starts with the ranchers, the ranchers identifying any problems in their herds," Birx said. "And that's critical."
Federal and state officials have been on high alert since June 3, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first U.S. case of New World screwworm since 1966 in a calf in Zavala County, Texas. Additional cases have since been confirmed in Texas and neighboring New Mexico, including a dog that officials believe might have contracted the parasite in Mexico.
The parasite's larvae infest open wounds and feed on living tissue, potentially causing severe injury or death if left untreated. The USDA has stressed that the outbreak does not threaten the U.S. food supply and has implemented quarantines, surveillance efforts, trapping programs and releases of sterile flies designed to halt reproduction.
Birx pointed to Texas' emergency response measures as a model.
"Texas has already activated their emergency operations center to make sure that they're responding in real time," she said.
She also praised the USDA's sterile insect program.
"The third thing is really federal support, including releasing the sterile male flies," Birx said. "That's really important because if we learn how to do this, we'll be able to use it for other human diseases that we're concerned about, where you can do this with mosquitoes."
She added, "I'm excited that they're using this technology in the U.S."
Asked about treatment, Birx said infections can often be addressed if detected early.
"You can actually cut out the larvae," she said. "You can identify it and cut it out and cure it that way."
Birx also expressed confidence in Rollins' leadership.
"The reason the response will be effective is because I think ranchers trust her," Birx said. "If she asks for people to report, I think people will report because she will mobilize."
On Monday, Rollins announced the appointment of Texas cattleman and food-safety entrepreneur John Bellinger as senior adviser for New World screwworm preparedness as the Trump administration expands its response effort.
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