Additional Context: APHIS is charged with responding to threats such as the New World screwworm. Not detected in the U.S. for over 40 years, as of July 7, there have been a total of 32 U.S. cases confirmed across cattle, goats, sheep, and a dog. New world screwworm flies are also spreading in Mexico and across Central America, where they had previously been eradicated. While many factors have led to the pest's reemergence, experts say the world’s ability to prevent, track, and prepare for such outbreaks has been weakened after the Trump administration cut investments in foreign and domestic surveillance and prevention programs.

Researcher Note: According to their website, the overseas arm of APHIS operates in over 27 countries around the world to keep agriculture healthy and trade markets open. While the APHIS foreign service has not faced reductions in force, overall cuts of the agency may affect coordination and engagement across agencies and government, which are vital in addressing transboundary disease threats.

Source: Devex