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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
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott Accelerates Fly-Breeding Facility Construction to Combat Cattle Parasite

Texas Governor Greg Abbott Accelerates Fly-Breeding Facility Construction to Combat Cattle Parasite

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is taking decisive action to address the threat posed by the New World screwworm fly to the state's cattle industry, valued at $113 billion. Abbott has pledged to expedite the construction of a $750 million breeding facility in Edinburg, Texas, aimed at producing sterile flies to control the screwworm population. The urgency stems from a recent confirmation of screwworm larvae in a calf in La Pryor, Texas, marking the first case in the state since 1966. Abbott emphasized the need for increased sterile fly production to prevent a second summer of infestation, offering state resources to ensure the facility operates around the clock.
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Screwworm Fly Detected in Texas Calf, Quarantine Zone Established to Protect Livestock

Screwworm Fly Detected in Texas Calf, Quarantine Zone Established to Protect Livestock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of the New World screwworm fly in a calf in La Pryor, Texas, marking the first detection in decades. This parasite, known for its flesh-eating larvae, poses a threat to the cattle industry. A 12-mile quarantine zone has been established to prevent the movement of warm-blooded animals, including pets, without inspection. The USDA has been proactive in preventing the fly's spread by releasing sterile flies to mate with wild females, a method previously successful in eradicating the pest. The USDA remains confident that there is no threat of a mass infestation.
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USDA Confident in Containing Screwworm Threat in Texas, Averting Major Livestock Impact

USDA Confident in Containing Screwworm Threat in Texas, Averting Major Livestock Impact

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has assured lawmakers that the USDA is capable of containing a recent case of New World screwworm detected in Texas. This flesh-eating parasite was found in a calf in the southern part of the state, marking its first significant threat to the U.S. cattle industry in decades. The parasite, which has been advancing north through Mexico, poses a serious risk to livestock as it consumes warm-blooded animals alive. The USDA is currently producing 100 million sterile flies weekly in Panama to combat the screwworm, but needs to increase this to 400-500 million to effectively push back the threat. The situation has put ranchers and traders on high alert, as a wider infestation could further reduce the U.S. cattle herd, already at its smallest in 75 years.
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Texas ranchers on edge after screwworm parasite detected in calf

Texas ranchers on edge after screwworm parasite detected in calf

By Heather Schlitz LA PRYOR, Texas, June 5 (Reuters) - The quiet Texas cattle town of La Pryor has become ground zero in the fight against screwworm after the first U.S. case in decades was detected there, prompting a livestock quarantine and putting ranchers and pet owners on edge.
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A flesh-eating parasite has arrived in the US. Can we stop it?

A flesh-eating parasite has arrived in the US. Can we stop it?

Why one infected calf has America’s beef industry on edge.
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USDA Confident in Containing Screwworm Threat in Texas, Protecting Cattle Industry

USDA Confident in Containing Screwworm Threat in Texas, Protecting Cattle Industry

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins informed lawmakers that the USDA is confident in its ability to contain a case of New World screwworm detected in Texas. The parasite, which was found in a calf in southern Texas, poses a significant threat to the cattle industry, marking its first appearance in decades. The screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has been advancing north through Mexico over the past year. The USDA is currently producing 100 million sterile flies weekly in Panama to combat the parasite, but needs to increase production to 400-500 million flies weekly to effectively push back the threat. The detection has put ranchers and traders on high alert, as a wider infestation could further reduce the U.S. cattle herd, already at its smallest in 75 years.
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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.
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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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New World Screwworm Fly Detected in Texas, Threatening U.S. Cattle Industry

New World Screwworm Fly Detected in Texas, Threatening U.S. Cattle Industry

The New World screwworm fly has been detected in Texas, marking its return to the U.S. after decades. The infestation was confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, prompting immediate action from federal and state officials to prevent its spread. The fly's larvae burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing significant damage and economic losses to the cattle industry. The detection has raised concerns among ranchers and agricultural groups, who are working closely with the USDA to mitigate the impact and educate farmers on protective measures. The fly was previously eradicated in the U.S. through a program that released sterile male flies to control the population. However, recent detections in Mexico and now Texas have reignited fears of widespread infestations.
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Texas Cattle Industry Faces Threat from Screwworm Infestation

Texas Cattle Industry Faces Threat from Screwworm Infestation

A screwworm infestation has been confirmed in South Texas, posing a significant threat to the state's cattle industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has activated personnel to address the outbreak, which could potentially cause $1.8 billion in damage to Texas' economy. The New World screwworm, a parasitic fly, lays eggs in the flesh of living animals, leading to severe tissue damage and potentially fatal outcomes for livestock. The USDA has implemented a quarantine zone and is dispersing sterile flies to control the spread. The infestation has raised concerns about increased beef prices nationwide due to Texas' pivotal role in cattle production.