USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Cases in Texas and New Mexico, Threatening Cattle Industry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed three new cases of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, in Texas and New Mexico. This brings the total number of cases to five, including three calves and a goat in Texas, and a dog in New Mexico. The screwworm, a fly larva that consumes living flesh, poses a significant threat to the cattle industry. The USDA has implemented a quarantine zone around affected areas to prevent further spread. The parasite was previously contained at the southern end of Panama through a program that released sterile male flies to control the population. The recent cases have prompted increased vigilance and inspections in the affected regions. 
