This announcement builds upon USDA’s five-pronged plan issued in June to combat the northward spread of NWS from Mexico into the United States. Why it matters:National Security & Economic Impact – NWS threatens over $100 billion in United States economic activity tied to the cattle and livestock industry alone. – NWS threatens over $100 billion in United States economic activity tied to the cattle and livestock industry alone. United States Food Safety is of Utmost ImportanceTo date, NWS has not been reported or detected in the United States in animals. The United States government will also work alongside Governors, State Agriculture Commissioners, State veterinarians, and others to combat this pest.