The Latest Breaking News from APHIS

US pest inspections faced a $325 million funding gap in 2011

The year 2011 marked a notable decline in funding for agricultural inspections in the U.S., driven by various legal limitations. Even with reforms to impose fees for services, certain passenger groups were left out, generating significant revenue gaps. Additionally, shortcomings in fee collection strategies worsened the economic concerns flagged by…

The Times of India · Oct 20

USDA Proposes Cutting Bird Flu Import Waiting Period From 90 Days to 28 Days

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing a major change to rules governing when foreign poultry and other avian products can resume entering the United States following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as HPAI or bird flu.

Grocery Coupon Guide · Sep 24

Before Buying Cheap Seeds From an Overseas Seller, Check These USDA Rules

A packet of unusual flower or vegetable seeds for $2 can look like one of the easiest gardening bargains you’ll find online. But if the seller is shipping those seeds from another country, you’re not simply ordering inexpensive garden supplies—you may legally be importing plant material into the United States.…

Frugal Gardening · Sep 19

Those Beautiful Seeds You Found Online May Be Fake — Here’s How to Tell

Those beautiful seeds you found online may be fake, and the most convincing part of the listing might be the photograph. AI-generated images now make it remarkably easy for dishonest sellers to show enormous flowers, bizarre colors, impossible shapes, and plants that look as if someone crossed a rose with…

Frugal Gardening · Aug 21

A Fatal Sheep Prion Disease Returns After Five Years and Pushes the National Eradication Target Back to 2033

USDA confirmed classical scrapie in an Oregon sheep, the first US case since 2021. Here is what the prion disease does and does not mean.

Medical Daily · Aug 19

USDA Reopens an Arizona Livestock Port to Mexican Cattle This Month as Screwworm Detections Hold at 45

USDA reopens the Douglas, Arizona port to Mexican livestock on Aug. 24, while 45 US screwworm detections are reported across Texas and New Mexico.

Medical Daily · Aug 17

Texas Adds a New Screwworm Zone in Terrell County as Active U.S. Cases Fall to Five

USDA now lists 45 U.S. screwworm detections, with only five active. A new Terrell County detection triggered fresh Texas movement restrictions.

Medical Daily · Aug 8

USDA Will Reopen the Arizona Cattle Border on August 24 as Screwworm Cases Hold at 42 in Texas

USDA will reopen the Douglas cattle port on August 24 and fund a $25 million sterile fly facility, with 42 US screwworm cases confirmed.

Medical Daily · Jul 31

In 1890, European starlings introduced in New York’s Central Park began a spread that eventually produced about 150 million birds across North America

A small experiment in New York's Central Park initiated a major biological invasion. European starlings rapidly spread across North America after their 1890 introduction. These adaptable birds now number around 150 million across the continent. Their presence causes significant agricultural losses and displaces native species. This event serves as a…

The Times of India · Jul 25

New World Screwworm Has Reached 16 U.S. Animals as Experts Say This Is Not an Isolated Incident

USDA confirmed 16 New World screwworm animal cases in Texas and New Mexico since June 3 — the first U.S. recurrence in 60 years. Experts warn confirmed cases are an undercount.

Medical Daily · Jul 3