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A flesh-eating cattle parasite is spreading in Texas as new far-flung screwworm cases are found

A flesh-eating cattle parasite is spreading in Texas as new far-flung screwworm cases are found

Two more cases of the New World screwworm have been confirmed in Texas, demonstrating the difficulty of stopping the spread of a pest that potentially could devastate the nation’s cattle industry

A flesh-eating cattle parasite is spreading in Texas as 2 far-flung screwworm cases are found

A flesh-eating cattle parasite is spreading in Texas as 2 far-flung screwworm cases are found

Two more cases of the New World screwworm have been confirmed in Texas, demonstrating the difficulty of stopping the spread of a pest that potentially could devastate the nation’s cattle industry

USDA Reports New Screwworm Cases in Texas, Threatening Cattle Industry

USDA Reports New Screwworm Cases in Texas, Threatening Cattle Industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed two additional cases of the New World screwworm in Texas, highlighting the challenges in controlling this flesh-eating parasite. The screwworm, a fly larva that consumes living tissue, was found in a calf and a dog in La Salle and Andrews counties. This brings the total to four confirmed cases in Texas, following initial detections in two calves in south Texas. The USDA has been actively working to prevent the spread of screwworm since its detection in Mexico in late 2024. Historically, screwworm was a significant issue for cattle ranchers in the U.S. until it was eradicated in the 1960s. The USDA is employing a strategy of breeding sterile male flies to curb the population, a method that has been effective in the past. However, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has criticized the federal response, suggesting that a poison bait could be a quicker solution, despite potential risks to other species.

Two more Texas screwworm infections found in animals far apart, USDA says

Two more Texas screwworm infections found in animals far apart, USDA says

Two more cases of the New World screwworm have been confirmed in Texas, demonstrating the difficulty of stopping the spread of a pest that potentially could devestate the nation’s cattle industry

Texas Faces Second Screwworm Infection, Prompting Livestock Ban by Canada

Texas Faces Second Screwworm Infection, Prompting Livestock Ban by Canada

A second case of the flesh-eating screwworm fly has been confirmed in Texas, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). This follows an initial case in a one-year-old calf, prompting aggressive measures to control the parasite's spread in the state. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced collaboration with federal authorities to mitigate the spread of the fly, which affects warm-blooded animals and humans. The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is dispersing sterile screwworm flies to prevent reproduction. This is the first detection of the new world screwworm (NWS) in the US since the 1960s. The USDA assures that the US food supply remains safe, as NWS do not infest food sources. Canada has temporarily banned livestock from Texas, citing the infections, although Canadian officials believe the colder climate will prevent NWS from becoming a problem there.

Texas Faces Economic Threat as Second Screwworm Infection Confirmed

Texas Faces Economic Threat as Second Screwworm Infection Confirmed

A second case of the flesh-eating screwworm fly has been confirmed in Texas, prompting a state of disaster declaration by Governor Greg Abbott. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working with state officials to contain the spread of the parasite, which poses a significant threat to Texas's cattle industry. The screwworm larvae feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, causing severe economic implications for cattle ranchers. The USDA is dispersing sterile flies to prevent reproduction and further spread. The infections are the first detected in the U.S. since the 1960s, with movement restrictions and enhanced surveillance in place.

Two more Texas screwworm infections found in animals far apart, USDA says

Two more Texas screwworm infections found in animals far apart, USDA says

Two more cases of the New World screwworm have been confirmed in Texas, demonstrating the difficulty of stopping the spread of a pest that potentially could devestate the nation’s cattle industry

Texas governor wants to speed up work on a fly-breeding factory to fight a cattle parasite

Texas governor wants to speed up work on a fly-breeding factory to fight a cattle parasite

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is concerned that a new factory isn’t expected to start work for more than a year on mitigating the New World screwworm fly infestation in his state

Iowa Department of Agriculture Monitors Screwworm Threat to Cattle

Iowa Department of Agriculture Monitors Screwworm Threat to Cattle

The Iowa Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring the situation involving the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that poses a threat to cattle. This development follows the confirmation by a lab in Ames, Iowa, that the screwworm was found in a calf from Texas. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is prepared to respond if the pest begins to threaten cattle in Iowa. Texas Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the rapid spread potential of the screwworm, which can infect various animals, including deer and cattle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is constructing a facility in Texas to produce sterile flies as a method to eradicate the screwworm. Despite the threat to cattle, the Iowa Department of Agriculture assures that there is no food safety risk associated with the pest.

Texas Detects Screwworm Fly, Threatening U.S. Cattle Industry After Decades

Texas Detects Screwworm Fly, Threatening U.S. Cattle Industry After Decades

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the detection of the New World screwworm fly in Texas, marking the first such case in the U.S. since 1966. The parasite, known for its flesh-eating larvae, was found in a calf in La Pryor, Texas. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a 12-mile quarantine zone to prevent the spread of the parasite, which poses a significant threat to livestock. The USDA has been preparing for this possibility by releasing millions of sterile screwworm flies to prevent the establishment of the pest. The screwworm fly, which lays eggs in open wounds, can cause severe damage to livestock and has historically led to significant economic losses.

USDA Confirms New Screwworm Case in Texas, Canada Bans Livestock Imports

USDA Confirms New Screwworm Case in Texas, Canada Bans Livestock Imports

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed a second case of the New World screwworm in Texas, specifically in Zavala County. This parasitic fly, whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, poses a significant threat to livestock. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) detected the infestation after testing several suspect cases. In response, a quarantine zone has been established around the affected areas to prevent the movement of animals without inspection. The screwworm was initially detected in Mexico in 2024, and efforts have been ongoing to prevent its spread into Texas, a major cattle-producing state. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has expanded a statewide disaster declaration to mobilize resources for combating the outbreak, including the use of sterile flies to disrupt the screwworm's reproductive cycle. Meanwhile, Canada has imposed a temporary ban on livestock imports from Texas to mitigate the risk of the parasite spreading.

Iowa Agriculture Department Monitors Screwworm Threat to Cattle Industry

Iowa Agriculture Department Monitors Screwworm Threat to Cattle Industry

The Iowa Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring a potential threat to the cattle industry posed by the New World screwworm. This parasitic fly, confirmed in a calf from Texas, poses a risk to various animals, including cattle and deer, due to its rapid spread. Texas Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the fly's ability to infect multiple animal species quickly. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is constructing a facility in Texas to produce sterile flies aimed at eradicating the screwworm. The Iowa Agriculture Department is prepared to act if the pest begins to threaten cattle in Iowa. Importantly, there is no current food safety risk associated with the screwworm.