The New World Screwworm (NWS), a parasitic fly that affects livestock and other warm-blooded animals, has been confirmed in South Texas. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported on June 3 that larvae were found in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas. By June 11, six cases had been confirmed.
According to the USDA, NWS larvae burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing significant damage and economic losses. Although the presence of screwworms does not make meat unsafe for consumption, it may lead to increased beef prices, which are currently at a record high.
The USDA, led by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, announced a suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports through U.S. ports along the southern border due to the spread of NWS in Mexico. Dudley Hoskins, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, noted that models had projected the NWS would enter the U.S. in 2025, but efforts had been made to delay its arrival.
An APHIS strike team is currently on-site in Texas, implementing a response that includes releasing sterile male flies and establishing a movement control zone to quarantine livestock. The USDA has a history of eradicating NWS, with efforts dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller criticized the USDA's response, stating that the screwworm has advanced rapidly despite existing plans. He urged for immediate action to prevent a larger agricultural disaster. Additionally, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has offered state land to assist in the response efforts, emphasizing the potential impact on both livestock and wildlife.