FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOPEKA, Kan. – Sen. Roger Marshall warns Kansans about the New World screwworm threat to livestock after he supported massive cuts to USDA’s budget. The USDA is responsible for monitoring, preventing, and responding to livestock disease outbreaks like the New World screwworm.

“Roger Marshall wants Kansans to believe he’s leading the fight against the screwworm, but he supported the very cuts that gutted USDA’s ability to protect Kansas ranchers,” said Lauren Fitzgerald, spokesperson for Kansas Coalition for Common Sense. “Kansas farmers deserve better than politicians who vote one way in Washington and pretend they did the opposite when they’re back home.”

Here’s what’s at stake: 

• The New World screwworm is a flesh-eating parasite that can cause severe infection or death in livestock.
• The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is the frontline against livestock disease outbreaks.
• 25% of APHIS employees were forced out due to DOGE cuts, including 20% of Veterinary Services staff.
• Kansas lost 32% of its USDA staff—the largest percentage loss in the region.
• A major screwworm outbreak could cost the livestock industry billions of dollars.
• Kansas already lost 700 farms in the last year, mostly small and mid-sized operations.
  

While USDA officials claim confidence in their response, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller warned that the “USDA moved too slowly.” Meanwhile, Senator Marshall appeared on national television Monday morning, blaming former President Biden – who has been out of office for more than 500 days – rather than explaining how his support to cut USDA personnel made America less prepared.

“Roger Marshall supported huge cuts to the USDA that are now putting farms at risk. We are now seeing the deadly consequences of his failures,” Fitzgerald said. “Senator Marshall supported eliminating the inspectors, veterinarians, and field staff who keep our livestock safe. Now he wants credit for caring about the consequences. His statements put partisan ideology ahead of our livelihoods, and now our agricultural community faces these threats. Kansas ranchers deserve accountability, not more excuses.”

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