H.R. 3806

[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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