The New World screwworm poses a multibillion-dollar threat to the state’s cattle industry. We’re keeping track of where these cases are reported.
Screwworm in Texas
The first U.S. case of screwworm — a parasitic fly that burrows its eggs into living mammals — was reported in Texas in early June. The fly poses a multibillion-dollar crisis for the state’s cattle industry. State and federal officials are working together to stop the northern migration, which they have tracked since 2023.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
U.S. will begin limited imports of Mexican cattle as screwworm outbreak continues
The limited resumption will allow a southern port of entry in Arizona to reopen in phases. The move comes after 41 of 42 cases of screwworm have been reported in Texas.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
Canada suspends animal exports from Texas due to New World screwworm concerns
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is barring horses, pigs, cattle and other animals from Texas due to concerns over New World screwworm, a parasitic fly.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
Screwworm: Fact vs. fiction
As cases of the New World screwworm increase, so do rumors about the parasitic fly. Here are some of the biggest myths.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
The U.S. last beat screwworm in 1966. Can current leaders learn from the past’s playbook?
Faced with a modern outbreak that could endure for decades, historical documents are offering officials solutions to eradicate the parasite again.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
USDA defends screwworm response amid congressional fingerpointing
There is bipartisan agreement that the country is not producing nearly enough sterile flies to combat the flesh-eating parasite, which threatens to wreak havoc on Texas’ livestock industry.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
Texas officials say rodents and other small wildlife could be to blame for New World Screwworm infestations
Until now, cattle were believed to be the main screwworm carriers. Investigations continue.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
“Mass euthanasias”: Screwworm could have deeper implications for Texas’ already-crowded animal shelters
Most stray animal shelters are already at capacity. Adding a deadly parasitic infestation could create an even more dire situation.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
“Survival of the fittest”: Insiders say screwworm could improve the Texas cattle industry, beef
As cases of screwworm infections in the state rise, sellers and buyers believe heightened precautions will benefit consumers.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
USDA has new partners in the fight against screwworm — drones, dogs and fungi
The USDA awarded a combined $105 million to 40 different projects aimed at stopping the spread of New World Screwworm.