USDA Confirms Five Screwworm Cases Across Texas and New Mexico

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed five cases of the flesh-eating New World screwworm across Texas and New Mexico, marking a significant outbreak within the United States. The infestations were detected in calves and a dog across multiple counties, with the most recent case reported on Monday.

The first case was identified in Zavala County, Texas, affecting a 3-week-old calf. A second case was confirmed just 5.6 miles away from the initial site. The USDA established a 12-mile 'infested zone' around La Pryor and implemented quarantines to prevent the movement of warm-blooded animals without inspection.

The screwworm has been spreading north through Central America and into Mexico over the last three years, with cases recently detected farther north. The USDA has intensified surveillance and preventive measures, including trapping flies for testing, implementing detection and quarantine zones, and releasing sterile flies to prevent reproduction. According to CBS News, the outbreak threatens the $113 billion U.S. cattle industry.

The Texas Department of Agriculture deployed traps along the border last summer loaded with synthetic bait to attract, trap, and kill the flies. The USDA has also invested in an $8.5 million facility at Moore Air Base to breed millions of sterile male screwworm flies for release into the wild. Despite these efforts, local officials argue that federal and state resources have not kept pace with the growing threat.

The parasite lays hundreds of eggs in open wounds, where the larvae hatch and begin feeding on living flesh. Infestations can cause severe tissue damage, painful infections, and death if left untreated. The USDA has encouraged residents to check their pets and livestock for signs of infection and report any suspected cases immediately.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported over 2,100 human cases of New World screwworm infestations in Mexico and Central America this year. The CDC recommends keeping all open wounds clean and covered, wearing protective clothing to minimize exposed skin, using EPA-registered insect repellent, and sleeping indoors or in screened rooms in areas where the flies are present.

Early symptoms of a screwworm infection include unexplained painful wounds or sores that do not heal, a foul-smelling odor or bleeding from the site, or seeing and feeling maggots or movement in a wound or around the nose, mouth, eyes, or ears. Three Texas counties have already declared local states of disaster in response to the threat, with similar declarations pending in other counties.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated that 'The protection of our ranchers, livestock producers, deer breeders, and the Texas economy from this pest is a top priority.' He emphasized close cooperation with federal partners and urged Texans to stay alert and report any suspected cases immediately. The screwworm was last detected in Texas 60 years ago.