ARLINGTON, VA – The Meat Institute today released the following statement regarding the confirmation of a case of New World Screwworm in Texas:

“American consumers need to know that New World Screwworm is not a food safety concern. Meat and poultry products are safe to consume,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Our first priority is to protect the health of the nation’s livestock. We are encouraging members of the Meat Institute to work with local, state and federal authorities to detect and eradicate the pest.

“USDA has been working hard to prevent and respond to New World Screwworm. For a year now they have improved biosecurity by investing in protections and treatments and coordinating rapid response. We will look to USDA to brief industry stakeholders and call on them to consider allowing low risk terminal movements for slaughter to ensure animals continue to be processed. It is important for state animal health organizations to follow USDA’s NWS Response Playbook.”

About the Meat Institute

The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute’s hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit: MeatInstitute.org.