A new case of the dangerous flesh-eating insect has been found in Texas, just after another serious discovery of a parasite near the U.S.-Mexico border last week.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed a New World screwworm infection after larvae were discovered in the navel area of a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas.
Additionally, another screwworm case was identified on Tuesday in Coahuila, Mexico, about 40 miles south of the Texas border, according to reports.
In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas officials are acting quickly to manage the situation, establishing a 20-kilometer infection zone that will undergo quarantine and monitoring.
To further control the spread, the authorities plan to increase hunting of the New World screwflies along the border and conduct focused operations in local areas.
Screwworm maggots pose a threat to warm-blooded animals, including pets and livestock, and on rare occasions, humans as well. They typically enter animals through open wounds, feeding on living tissue and can ultimately lead to the animal’s death if not treated.
On social media, the USDA announced it is looking into a potential infestation in South Texas and has sent samples to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa for verification.
Texas Congressman Don McLaughlin emphasized the seriousness of the situation, calling for cooperation among local, state, and federal agencies to tackle the issue. He noted, “If this incident is confirmed, I will continue to work closely to combat this horror.”
Experts predict that the screwworm outbreak could inflict up to $1.8 billion in damages to Texas’s economy, potentially driving up beef prices nationwide due to reduced cattle supply.
The U.S. has maintained a ban on cattle imports from Mexico for more than a year in an effort to keep the parasite at bay.
Interestingly, screwworm maggots do not affect meat, fruits, vegetables, or other food supplies; their effect is limited to livestock.
Residents in areas with reported cases are advised to inspect their pets for signs of New World screwworm. While infections in humans are rare, anyone noticing unusual lesions should seek medical help promptly.
Dudley Hoskins, assistant secretary for marketing and regulatory programs, mentioned that experts had anticipated the New World screwworm’s entrance into the country by 2025. However, efforts by the Trump administration and various partners bought critical time. He also stated, “Protecting the livestock industry is a top national security priority, and the Department of Agriculture is wasting no time in taking action.”
Hoskins further noted that since cases began rising in Central America and Mexico, the Department has invested significantly in tools to combat the New World screwworm, emphasizing that the U.S. had defeated the pest before and would do so again.
