H.R. 3806 — New World Screwworm Preparedness Act of 2025

This section states congressional findings regarding the New World screwworm (NWS), a parasitic fly whose larvae infest warm-blooded animals including livestock, wildlife, and rarely humans, causing severe damage, infections, and often death. The findings recognize U.S. eradication of NWS in the 1960s via sterile insect technique; recent detections in neighboring countries such as Mexico that increase reintroduction risks; and the need for enhanced surveillance, rapid response, and research to prevent outbreaks and economic or ecological impacts.

This section directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, to conduct a comprehensive study on U.S. preparedness and response capabilities for New World screwworm (NWS)—a parasitic fly larva that infests wounds of livestock (e.g., cattle, swine) and wildlife, potentially causing multimillion-dollar losses—not later than 90 days after enactment. The study must assess (1) current NWS threats, including migration patterns, introduction pathways, economic impacts on livestock, and ecological effects on wildlife; (2) sterile insect technique (SIT) capabilities, including production facilities, expansion feasibility, and dispersal logistics; (3) surveillance and detection systems, including border inspections, diagnostics, and reporting; (4) emergency response plans, including interagency coordination, resources, movement restrictions, and outreach; (5) research and development needs for diagnostics, SIT improvements, alternative controls, and genetic vulnerabilities; and (6) international cooperation to maintain biological barriers. In conducting the study, the Secretary must consult livestock producers, industry associations, wildlife agencies, veterinarians, entomology and epidemiology experts, and state/local officials. Not later than 6 months after enactment, the Secretary must submit to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees—and make publicly available—a report detailing study findings and recommending legislative and administrative actions to improve NWS prevention, control, and eradication.