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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
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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
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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.
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USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Detection in Texas, Initiates Emergency Response

USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Detection in Texas, Initiates Emergency Response

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the detection of the New World screwworm in a calf in southern Texas, marking the first U.S. case in decades. This parasite, known for its destructive impact on livestock, was found in Zavala County near the Mexican border. The USDA has initiated an emergency response, including the release of sterile screwworm flies to curb the population. This technique is effective as female screwworm flies mate only once, and mating with sterile males results in no offspring. The USDA is also increasing trapping efforts, expanding wildlife monitoring, and conducting outreach to livestock owners. The pest has been moving northward through Central America and Mexico, despite containment efforts. West Virginia agriculture officials are monitoring the situation closely, although the detection is over 1,500 miles away. They have emergency plans ready should the pest spread beyond the Southwest.
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USDA Confirms Second Screwworm Case in Texas, Canada Imposes Livestock Import Restrictions

USDA Confirms Second Screwworm Case in Texas, Canada Imposes Livestock Import Restrictions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed a second case of New World screwworm in Texas, found in a calf in Zavala County. This follows an earlier detection in the same region. The screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, poses a threat to livestock, wildlife, and pets. In response, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has temporarily restricted livestock imports from affected U.S. areas. The USDA assures that the U.S. food supply remains safe, as screwworms do not infest food products. Efforts to control the pest include releasing sterile insects to suppress its population.
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Texas Detects New World Screwworm in Livestock After 60 Years, Raising Concerns

Texas Detects New World Screwworm in Livestock After 60 Years, Raising Concerns

Texas has reported the detection of the New World screwworm in livestock, marking the first occurrence in the state in six decades. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of this flesh-eating parasite in two calves in South Texas. Historically, the screwworm was a major pest in the U.S., causing significant economic damage to the livestock industry. The parasite was eradicated in the mid-1900s through a program that released sterile male flies to prevent reproduction. However, recent migrations from Central America have led to its reappearance. Authorities are implementing containment measures, including restricting animal movement and releasing sterile flies to control the outbreak.
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USDA confirms two more cases of New World screwworm in the US

USDA confirms two more cases of New World screwworm in the US

June 8 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday confirmed two more cases of New World screwworm in Texas, involving a calf in La Salle County and a dog in Andrews County. The USDA said epidemiological investigations are ongoing in both cases.
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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.
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Screwworm Infestation Threatens U.S. Cattle Industry Amidst Federal Containment Efforts

Screwworm Infestation Threatens U.S. Cattle Industry Amidst Federal Containment Efforts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of New World screwworm larvae in a calf in Texas, near the U.S.-Mexico border. This parasitic fly, known for its flesh-eating larvae, poses a significant threat to livestock. The USDA has been monitoring the screwworm's northward movement from Central America and is implementing containment measures. The screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s through a sterile insect technique, but recent cases in Mexico have raised concerns about potential reinfestation. The USDA is working with local and state partners to prevent the spread and protect the cattle industry.
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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
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Screwworm border closure fuels beef boom in Mexico, gloom in Texas

Screwworm border closure fuels beef boom in Mexico, gloom in Texas

By Tom Polansek and Cassandra Garrison LUBBOCK, Texas/SALTILLO, Mexico, June 6 (Reuters) - Lubbock Feeders has been fattening cattle in West Texas since Dwight Eisenhower was U.S. president. Now, row upon row of pens sit empty.
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U.S. Agriculture Department Confirms Screwworm Detection in Texas Calf, Prompting Biotech Stock Surge

U.S. Agriculture Department Confirms Screwworm Detection in Texas Calf, Prompting Biotech Stock Surge

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the detection of the New World screwworm in a calf in Texas, marking the first known case of this flesh-eating fly in the United States since 2017. The larvae of the screwworm can cause significant damage to livestock by burrowing into the flesh of living animals. In response to this detection, federal and state officials are actively working to contain and eradicate the fly to prevent further spread. The confirmation of the screwworm case has led to a rise in biotech stocks, particularly Zoetis and Elanco Animal Health, as investors anticipate increased demand for solutions to combat the pest.