USDA Appoints John Bellinger to New World Screwworm Preparedness Role

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the appointment of John Bellinger as senior advisor for New World Screwworm preparedness, a newly announced role focused on strengthening the agency’s efforts to combat the livestock pest.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said Bellinger will join USDA’s response efforts as the agency continues work to address the threat posed by the New World screwworm, a pest that can impact livestock health and production.

In the position, Bellinger will work with USDA to support ongoing efforts to evaluate and deploy technologies aimed at preventing and controlling the spread of the pest.

“I want to thank John for joining our team as USDA transitions to the next phase of fighting and eradicating this pest from our borders, as we did nearly sixty years ago, yet it came back due to Biden’s failed open border policies,” said Secretary Rollins. “John’s roots in Texas, where New World screwworm is at ground zero, and his private sector experience in the related food safety and cattle industries, will help the administration advance our response and protect U.S. livestock.”

Focus on New World Screwworm Response

According to USDA, Bellinger’s role will focus on helping coordinate and strengthen the department’s response to the New World screwworm, including evaluating technologies and expanding prevention efforts.

The agency said the position is part of its broader effort to improve preparedness and response capabilities for livestock pests.

Bellinger said the pest presents ongoing challenges for cattle producers and emphasized continued collaboration with USDA and state partners.

“New World Screwworm presents unique challenges to America’s ranchers, and Secretary Rollins has taken dramatic steps to work on building up our domestic response to this pest. USDA is responding in real time and building up long-term capabilities to push back New World Screwworm beyond our borders and past the Darien Gap,” said Senior Advisor Bellinger. “I look forward to working with USDA and our state partners as continuing ramping up testing, detection and release of our tools to reduce these flies’ populations.”

Bellinger’s Agriculture and Food Safety Background

USDA said Bellinger brings experience in both the cattle and food safety sectors.

He currently serves on the Texas A&M University Board of Regents, where he chairs the Committee on Research after being appointed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in 2023.

Bellinger is also the co-founder and former CEO of Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) and currently serves as CEO of Agri-West International, a food exporting company and Bellinger Development.

His agricultural experience also includes leadership roles with the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the Southwest Meat Association, along with ongoing involvement in cattle-related businesses, including Nolan Ryan Beef and BK Beef.

Bellinger earned both a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and a Master of Science in Animal Science from Texas A&M University.

USDA said the appointment comes as the agency continues efforts to strengthen long-term livestock pest preparedness and response strategies.