US Confirms First New World Screwworm Case Since 1966 In Texas

US authorities have confirmed the first case of the New World Screwworm (NWS) parasite in the country since 1966, raising concerns within the livestock sector.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that officials detected the flesh-eating parasite in a three-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, located about 30 miles from the US-Mexico border.

The discovery follows the parasite’s steady advance across Mexico during the past year despite extensive containment efforts.

New World Screwworms are parasitic flies that target warm-blooded animals. Female flies, however, deposit eggs in open wounds or mucous membranes.

Once hatched, hundreds of larvae burrow into living tissue and consume flesh. Untreated infestations can ultimately kill the host animal.

Industry representatives fear a widespread outbreak could reduce cattle numbers, disrupt beef production, and increase prices for consumers.

Although the parasite can infect humans and pets, health officials stress that human cases remain rare and the pest poses no food safety risk.

Authorities found the larvae in the calf’s umbilical area. Officials said infested animals commonly spread the parasite.

The USDA and Texas authorities established a 20-kilometre quarantine and detection zone around the affected area.

Officials also plan to release millions of sterile screwworm flies. Female screwworms mate only once, meaning eggs produced after mating with sterile males remain unfertilised and fail to hatch.

The USDA stated that its preparedness measures delayed the parasite’s arrival in the United States by approximately one year.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said USDA personnel have already deployed to South Texas and urged livestock producers to remain alert.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller criticised the federal response.

“Instead of using every available tool, USDA moved too slowly and relied solely on a partial solution that takes years to fully implement,” he told Reuters.

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