Flesh-eating cattle parasite spreads beyond Texas as new screwworm cases are found
ABC7 Los Angeles • • nation
Key Points:
- Three additional cases of New World screwworm have been confirmed, including one in New Mexico, highlighting challenges in controlling this pest threatening the U.S. cattle industry.
- The screwworm fly larvae infest open wounds of livestock and wildlife, causing severe tissue damage and potentially fatal infections if untreated; quarantine zones have been established around new cases in Texas.
- The USDA is combating the outbreak by releasing sterile male flies to mate with wild females, aiming to halt reproduction, and is investing $750 million in a new sterile fly production facility in Texas.
- Canada has temporarily banned livestock imports from Texas, while officials urge ranchers to monitor animals closely and report cases via a dedicated hotline and website.
- Some Texas officials criticize the federal response as too slow, proposing alternative measures like poison bait, though experts warn of potential risks and unproven efficacy.