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USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Detection in Texas, Prompting Agricultural Response

USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Detection in Texas, Prompting Agricultural Response

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. This pest, which affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and occasionally humans, was found in a 3-week-old calf. The larvae of the screwworm burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing significant damage and economic losses. This marks the first detection of NWS in the United States in decades, prompting immediate responses from agricultural groups. R-CALF USA and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) have both issued statements emphasizing the need for a coordinated response to protect livestock and the national food supply. Measures are being taken to eradicate the pest, including building a domestic sterile fly facility and increasing fly surveillance.
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USDA and Texas Officials Take Action Against Screwworm Infestation in Texas

USDA and Texas Officials Take Action Against Screwworm Infestation in Texas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm in a calf in Zavala County, Texas. The USDA and Texas officials are taking immediate action to contain and eradicate the pest, including establishing a 20 km infested zone around the detection site and enforcing quarantines, movement controls, and surveillance in the area. The screwworm, known for its larvae that eat living tissue, poses a threat to livestock and can cause significant economic losses in the agricultural sector. The USDA has invested heavily in tools to eliminate the screwworm, which has been detected in Central America and Mexico.
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USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Detection in Texas, Threatens Livestock

USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Detection in Texas, Threatens Livestock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the detection of the New World screwworm in a calf in Zavala County, Texas. This marks the first appearance of the parasite in the U.S. in decades. The screwworm, known for its flesh-eating larvae, poses a significant threat to livestock. USDA and Texas officials are taking immediate action to contain and eradicate the pest, including establishing a 20 km infested zone around the detection site and enforcing quarantines and movement controls. The USDA has a history of successfully eliminating this pest and is investing heavily in tools to combat its spread.
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USDA Confirms Flesh-Eating Screwworm in Texas Calf, Initiates Eradication Measures

USDA Confirms Flesh-Eating Screwworm in Texas Calf, Initiates Eradication Measures

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the presence of a flesh-eating New World screwworm in a three-week-old calf located in Zavala County, Texas. The USDA is taking immediate action to eradicate the parasitic fly by establishing a 12-mile 'infested zone' around the detection site, implementing quarantines, increasing traps for screwworms along the border, and setting up an Incident Command Team with the Texas Animal Health Commission. The screwworm, typically found in South America and parts of the Caribbean, has been detected farther north in Central America and Mexico over the last three years. The USDA has invested heavily in tools to eliminate the screwworm, which can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including humans in rare cases.
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USDA Confirms New World Screwworm in Texas, Prompting Urgent Response from Livestock Groups

USDA Confirms New World Screwworm in Texas, Prompting Urgent Response from Livestock Groups

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of the New World screwworm (NWS) in a calf in Zavala County, Texas. This pest is known for its destructive impact on livestock, pets, wildlife, and occasionally humans and birds. The larvae of the screwworm burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing severe damage and economic losses. The detection was made in a 3-week-old calf, with larvae found in its umbilical area. In response, agricultural groups such as R-CALF USA and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) have called for immediate and coordinated actions to protect animal health and the national cattle herd. These organizations emphasize the need for vigilance among producers to monitor livestock and report any suspected cases. The NCBA has been actively working with USDA and other agencies to enhance resources, including the establishment of a domestic sterile fly facility and increased fly surveillance.
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USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Detection in Texas, Prompting Industry Response

USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Detection in Texas, Prompting Industry Response

The USDA has confirmed the detection of New World screwworm in a calf in Zavala County, Texas. This pest poses a significant threat to livestock, pets, and wildlife, as its larvae can cause severe damage by burrowing into the flesh of living animals. In response, agricultural groups such as R-CALF USA and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) are calling for immediate action to protect the national cattle herd and the broader livestock industry. Efforts are underway to eradicate the pest, including increased surveillance and the use of sterile fly techniques.
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USDA Confirms Screwworm Parasite in Texas, Threatens Cattle Industry

USDA Confirms Screwworm Parasite in Texas, Threatens Cattle Industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the presence of the New World screwworm parasite in a calf in Zavala County, Texas. This marks the first confirmed case in the U.S. in nearly a decade. The USDA is implementing quarantines and movement controls in a 12-mile zone around the detection site and has expedited the release of sterile flies to prevent the pest's spread. The screwworm can kill an animal within days, posing a significant threat to the U.S. cattle industry, which is already at its lowest level in 75 years. The detection comes as the U.S. beef and cattle industry faces challenges, with consumer prices reaching record highs.
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USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Case in Texas, Threatens Livestock Industry

USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Case in Texas, Threatens Livestock Industry

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed a case of the New World screwworm in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas. This marks the first detection of the parasitic fly in the United States in decades. The screwworm larvae, which can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, were identified in the calf's umbilical area. The USDA, along with Texas officials, is implementing measures to contain the outbreak, including setting up a 20-kilometer infected zone with quarantines and increased surveillance. The screwworm poses a significant threat to the cattle industry as it can cause severe damage to livestock if left untreated.
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A screwworm fly that bedeviled cattle ranchers decades ago has returned to Texas

A screwworm fly that bedeviled cattle ranchers decades ago has returned to Texas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the New World screwworm fly has arrived in south Texas
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Screwworm fly detected in Texas decades after cattle threat was largely eradicated in US

Screwworm fly detected in Texas decades after cattle threat was largely eradicated in US

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the New World screwworm fly has arrived in south Texas
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USDA Reports Suspected Case of New World Screwworm Fly in South Texas

USDA Reports Suspected Case of New World Screwworm Fly in South Texas

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported a suspected case of the New World screwworm fly in South Texas. This insect is known for its parasitic larvae that can infest and cause severe damage to livestock and wildlife. The screwworm fly was eradicated from the United States in the 1960s through a successful eradication program, but occasional cases have been reported in recent years. The USDA is currently investigating the situation to confirm the presence of the screwworm fly and assess the potential impact on local agriculture and wildlife. The agency is working closely with state and local authorities to monitor the situation and implement control measures if necessary.
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USDA Reports Suspected Screwworm Case in South Texas, Threatening Cattle Industry

USDA Reports Suspected Screwworm Case in South Texas, Threatening Cattle Industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a suspected case of New World screwworm in South Texas, a development that could significantly impact the state's $15 billion cattle industry. The USDA is currently testing a sample at its National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Iowa. This announcement follows a statement by Secretary Brooke Rollins, who refuted claims by state Rep. Don McLaughlin that the screwworm was near the U.S.-Mexico border. The screwworm, a parasitic fly, poses a threat to livestock by embedding larvae in open wounds, potentially causing severe harm or death. The pest was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s but has re-emerged in Central America and Mexico. The USDA has been proactive, shutting down the southern border to live animal imports and collaborating with Mexico and Panama to control the pest using sterile fly methods.