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(Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2026) – Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins hosted an event at Moore Air Base in Texas to announce new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), reinforcing a whole-of-government commitment to protect the nation’s food, agriculture, and veterinary systems from emerging threats like New World screwworm (NWS). U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott represented U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin at the event.
“The United States has the strongest food and agriculture system in the world,” said Secretary Rollins. “This new agreement builds upon the National Farm Security Action Plan in partnership with DHS. The MOU further aligns our animal health mission with DHS’s border, security, and inspection authorities, so we are better positioned to detect, assess, and respond to agricultural threats like New World screwworm. Together, we can move faster and more effectively to better support and protect America’s animals, people, and agricultural resources.”
“Safeguarding American agriculture from threats abroad starts at our border,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. “Proud to work alongside Secretary Rollins as we fight to protect our farmers, ranchers, and livestock.”
Key Elements of the MOU:
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Unified Threat Detection: The MOU leverages advanced technologies, including unmanned aircraft systems and artificial intelligence, to enhance screening, detection, and interdiction at and between ports of entry and within border enforcement zones. This approach improves the ability to identify and respond to NWS and other high-consequence animal and plant pests and diseases.
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Enhanced Coordination and Information Sharing: USDA and DHS will share actionable biosurveillance and information in real-time, supporting faster and more effective responses—from frontline inspections to information exchange. This ensures both agencies can safeguard livestock, wildlife, and companion animals more effectively.
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Strengthened Partnership: By formalizing roles and expanding joint capabilities, the MOU improves how USDA and DHS work together during high-consequence events, supporting stronger, more unified national biosecurity. The agreement underscores USDA’s commitment to collaboration, leveraging DHS’s enforcement and security strengths alongside USDA’s deep technical expertise.
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Operational Readiness: The MOU establishes clear protocols for coordinated response actions, joint training, and capacity building. It outlines responsibilities for both departments, ensuring preparedness for incidents that threaten the nation’s food and agriculture sectors.
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Research and Development Collaboration: The partnership expands existing research collaborations, including with DHS Centers of Excellence, to develop advanced screening, detection, and mitigation technologies for NWS and other emerging threats.
Federal, state, tribal, and local partners, as well as industry stakeholders, helped shape the MOU. Their expertise and operational experience were essential in crafting practical, field-ready guidance for real-world response scenarios.
USDA and DHS will continue to refine response tools, strengthen coordination, and support joint planning efforts. The agencies will periodically review and update the MOU to ensure alignment with evolving preparedness activities and industry practices.
This MOU will continue to help both departments combat the estimated 800,000 head of cattle are smuggled each year from Central America into Mexico, representing roughly $320 million in illicit trade. Smuggled livestock often bypass sanitary inspection and traceability systems, allowing potentially diseased or unmonitored animals to move undetected across borders. This illegal action jeopardizes regional biosecurity and threatens the substantial progress made in eradicating New World screwworm. USDA will work closely with Mexico to ensure that only fully documented and legally compliant cattle enter approved U.S. ports of entry, tightening adherence to USDA import requirements and NWS safeguards.
For more information about USDA’s efforts to prevent and prepare for NWS, please visit Screwworm.gov.
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