John Bellinger Appointed as Senior Advisor for U.S. Livestock Protection Against New World Screwworm
On June 22, 2026, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the appointment of John Bellinger as Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness. This important role underscores the growing commitment to safeguarding livestock health and ensuring the robustness of the U.S. protein supply chain. John Bellinger, the co-founder and CEO of Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), as well as a former CEO of Certified Group, brings a wealth of expertise in food safety and animal agriculture, crucial for addressing the challenges posed by the New World screwworm.
The New World screwworm is a pest that can inflict severe damage to cattle and other warm-blooded animals, endangering livestock health and farm economics. The USDA is advancing its efforts to mitigate these risks, and Bellinger's appointment is a pivotal step in that direction. With his extensive background in agriculture and science, he is well-equipped to contribute to the development and implementation of effective strategies against this impending threat.
David Morgan, CEO of Certified Group, expressed his congratulations, highlighting Bellinger's exceptional career characterized by practical science and leadership as being beneficial to the beef industry. Morgan noted, “John has spent his career applying practical science and industry leadership to some of the beef industry's most important challenges.” His deep understanding of the beef industry, encompassing cattle production, meat export, laboratory testing, and food safety systems, positions him as a valuable asset to the USDA’s initiatives.
Bellinger co-founded FSNS with his wife, Gina, and played a crucial role in transforming it into a trusted partner in laboratory testing and food safety for the food and agriculture sectors. The firm, now part of Certified Group, boasts a strong reputation for providing critical services that support the livestock and protein industries. Under Bellinger’s advisory role, he will assist the USDA in evaluating different technologies, testing methodologies, and response strategies to tackle the challenge presented by New World screwworm.
The strategic involvement of Certified Group in the livestock sector spells a commitment to improving animal welfare and maintaining the integrity of the protein supply chain. The organization aids the industry through key memberships and conducts livestock audits, laboratory testing, as well as custom research projects tailored for manufacturers. By leveraging Bellinger's experiences and insights, USDA is poised to fortify its defenses against this debilitating pest.
Certified Group's missions extend beyond merely combating pests; they represent a broader initiative to ensure that the food produced within the U.S. meets the highest safety standards. As part of their ongoing commitment, Certified Group focuses on delivering innovative scientific solutions under its guiding principle that the world should trust the food it consumes.
To learn more about the essential work being performed by Certified Group or Bellinger’s role moving forward, you can visit their official website. The continued collaboration among industry leaders ensures that U.S. agriculture remains resilient and sustainable, particularly in the face of evolving challenges such as those posed by the New World screwworm.
Bellinger’s new position is not just an excellent opportunity for him but also symbolizes a collective effort to safeguard the nation's livestock and enhance the security of the beef supply chain. His extensive experience in the industry and commitment to food safety highlights the importance of effective leadership in addressing agricultural challenges.
In conclusion, John Bellinger's appointment represents a proactive step towards enhancing food safety protocols and protecting livestock from threats such as the New World screwworm, reaffirming that through collaboration and innovative strategies, the U.S. can navigate even the most pressing agricultural challenges effectively.