How flesh-eating screwworms in cattle could raise US beef prices
The New World screwworm has been confirmed in a Texas calf, raising concerns about its impact on US beef prices. The parasite, which feeds on living flesh, poses a significant threat to livestock and could further tighten the already low cattle supply. Experts warn that the outbreak could lead to increased beef prices and economic losses for ranchers.
- ▪Screwworms are parasitic flies that lay eggs in wounds on warm-blooded animals.
- ▪The US has halted cattle imports from Mexico due to the screwworm's spread, contributing to rising beef prices.
- ▪An outbreak could cost the Texas economy $1.8 billion in livestock deaths and treatment expenses.
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How flesh-eating screwworms in cattle could raise US beef pricesSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxScrewworms are parasitic flies whose females lay eggs in wounds on any warm-blooded animal. Livestock and wild animals are usually the victims.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Jun 04, 2026, 10:05 AMUpdated Jun 04, 2026, 10:05 AMCHICAGO – New World screwworm, a devastating parasite that eats cattle and other wild animals alive, travelled north from Central America to Mexico before being confirmed in a Texas calf on June 3, creeping past biological barriers that kept the pest contained for decades, experts said.Washington has halted cattle imports from Mexico for the past year, citing the insect’s spread further into Mexico.With the US cattle herd already at a multi-decade low,…
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