President Donald Trump has appointed a Texas cattleman to help lead the nation’s New World screwworm response as the threat continues to spread, with Texas confirming four cases and New Mexico reporting its first.
John Bellinger was appointed by the president as the new senior advisor for New World screwworm preparedness, the United States Department of Agriculture announced on Monday.
“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 Bellinger in a statement. “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.”
In his new role, Bellinger will integrate into the USDA team to further drive its efforts to explore all available technologies to combat the New World screwworm.
Bellinger is no stranger to the agricultural community in Texas and across the nation. Bellinger co-founded Food Safety Net Services with his wife, Gina, and served as its CEO. He is now a board member of the company formed by its recent merger with Certified Group. He is also the CEO of Agri-West International, a food exporter, and of Bellinger Development.
According to the USDA, Bellinger remains a partner and board member of Nolan Ryan Beef, BK Beef, BC Stables, AW Japan, Just Pots, and Livek and is the former chairman of the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the Southwest Meat Association.
Bellinger also currently serves on the Texas A&M Board of Regents, having been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2023, where he chairs the Committee on Research. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and a master’s in animal science from Texas A&M University.
In a statement, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins thanked Bellinger for his willingness to join the team and for the expertise he brings.
“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,” Rollins said in the release.
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.