New World screwworm confirmed in Texas, threatening cattle industry
The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in Texas, posing a threat to the cattle industry for the first time since 1966. A quarantine zone has been established to prevent the spread of the parasite, which lays eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized that the food supply remains safe and that immediate actions are being taken to contain the situation.
- ▪The New World screwworm was detected in a calf in Zavala County, Texas.
- ▪A 12-mile quarantine zone has been established to contain the parasite.
- ▪The potential outbreak could cost Texas livestock producers hundreds of millions of dollars.
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The Department of Agriculture confirmed on Wednesday that the New World screwworm fly has been detected in Texas, marking the first time the parasite has threatened America’s cattle industry since 1966. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the flesh-eating larvae was detected in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, roughly 50 miles from the Mexican border, adding that her department is “taking immediate action” to mitigate the spread.
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