USDA Confirms Screwworm Fly Detection in Texas, Threatens Livestock Industry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of the New World screwworm fly in south Texas, marking the first detection in decades. The parasite, known for its flesh-eating larvae, poses a significant threat to the cattle industry. The case was identified in a calf in La Pryor, Texas, near the Mexico border. In response, Texas State Veterinarian Bud Dinges has established a quarantine zone to prevent the movement of warm-blooded animals without inspection. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins assured that while the larvae threaten livestock, they do not infest food, and the infested calf is expected to recover with proper treatment. Efforts to prevent the fly's spread include releasing sterile flies to mate with wild females, a method previously successful in eradicating the pest. 
