John Bellinger has been named Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness by President Donald J. Trump, announced U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins.
Bellinger will join USDA’s efforts to combat the New World Screwworm, a pest threatening U.S. livestock. The USDA is working to explore all available technologies to control and eradicate this pest.
Secretary Rollins highlighted Bellinger’s Texas roots and his experience in food safety and cattle industries as key assets. She emphasized the need to address the pest’s return, which she attributes to border policy failures.
Bellinger expressed commitment to strengthening domestic response efforts. He plans to work closely with USDA and state partners to increase testing, detection, and control measures against the pest.
Bellinger serves on the Texas A&M Board of Regents and has deep ties to agriculture and food safety sectors. He co-founded Food Safety Net Services and holds leadership roles in several agricultural organizations. His background includes roles as CEO, board member, and adviser in related industries. He earned degrees in agricultural education and animal science from Texas A&M University.
What steps can livestock producers take to support these new efforts? How might advances in technology improve pest control in agriculture? Your input can shape how we respond to threats like the New World Screwworm.
