Texas confirms 2 more flesh-eating screwworm cases, bringing total to 5 in less than a week

Federal officials have confirmed five cases of New World screwworm infestations in animals across Texas and New Mexico, raising concerns among ranchers and health experts. The latest detections include a goat in Gillespie County and a calf in La Salle County, Texas, along with an infested dog in Andrews County, Texas, that traveled from Mexico. The dog’s owner resides in New Mexico, though investigators have not linked this case to natural spread in West Texas. The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into living tissue, causing severe damage to wounds or body openings. While livestock, particularly cattle, are most at risk, pets, wildlife, and rarely humans can also be affected. The U.S. had eradicated the parasite decades ago, but its reappearance poses a major threat to the nation’s largest livestock industry. State and federal agencies are responding with expanded surveillance, quarantine zones, and the release of millions of sterile flies to disrupt screwworm reproduction. Over 70 personnel are working on diagnostics, monitoring, and outreach, with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins calling the situation an emergency. Rollins emphasized that the food supply remains safe, as the screwworm is a pest rather than a disease. Ranchers are urging faster deployment of sterile flies and additional funding to contain the outbreak. Without intervention, the parasite could spread, leading to economic strain on local veterinary systems, livestock losses, and movement restrictions. Authorities stress the need for swift action to prevent a broader infestation.