The New World screwworm, eradicated from the US in 1966, has reemerged in South Texas in June 2026, spreading northward into New Mexico. This parasitic pest, which infests warm-blooded animals, raises concerns for livestock, wildlife, and pet owners, prompting multiagency response plans in states like Colorado.
Researchers in Panama are preparing the first outdoor tests of NovoFly, a genetically modified screwworm fly designed to produce only males and strengthen sterile fly campaigns against the pest.
Over 30 New World screwworm cases, including two in dogs, have been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, prompting urgent warnings. This flesh-eating parasite, returning to the U.S. after 50 years, preys on living tissue and can affect pets, livestock, and humans.
Over 30 New World screwworm cases, including two in dogs, have been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico. Veterinarians urge pet owners to inspect animals daily for wounds, as the flesh-eating parasite can infest warm-blooded animals and prove fatal if untreated. Sterile male fly releases are being used to combat the outbreak.
The USDA confirms five New World screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico, threatening the cattle industry. Sterile fly programs and quarantines are in place, but concerns over effectiveness and speed of response arise.
The USDA confirmed a second case of New World screwworm in Texas, a one-month-old calf in Zavala County near the first case. Canada announced temporary livestock import restrictions from affected areas, while U.S. authorities continue movement controls and sterile insect releases to suppress the pest.
A calf in La Pryor, Texas, was found infested with screwworm, prompting a containment response from US and Texas officials, with no other cases detected yet.
The discovery of New World screwworm in Texas livestock has boosted shares of Zoetis and Elanco Animal Health, with significant activity in Zoetis's options market. Experts warn of potential spread and market volatility if the parasite moves into wildlife.
A flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm, has been detected in a calf in Texas, marking the first animal case in the US since 1966. The pest, believed to have traveled from Central America, poses a significant threat to the livestock industry and could lead to increased beef prices.
The New World screwworm fly, a flesh-eating parasite, has been confirmed in LaPryor, Texas, marking its first U.S. appearance since 1966. A quarantine zone is in effect, and the USDA is releasing sterile flies to prevent infestation of the cattle industry.
The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in south Texas, marking the first time in decades the parasite has threatened the U.S. cattle industry. A quarantine zone is in place, and efforts are underway to prevent mass infestation.
A case of the New World screwworm has been confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, marking the first detected breach of the US-Mexico border by the flesh-eating flies. The USDA is implementing control measures, including quarantine zones and sterile fly releases.
A New World screwworm infestation was found in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas. USDA and Texas officials are establishing a 20 km infested zone and implementing quarantines to contain and eradicate the pest, which can cause significant economic losses to the agricultural sector.
US authorities announced a potential case of New World screwworm in South Texas, a parasite eradicated decades ago but feared for its impact on livestock. Samples are being tested, and contingency plans are activated amid concerns for the Texas economy.
A potential New World screwworm case has been reported in South Texas, marking a possible breach of the US-Mexico border. Samples are being tested by the USDA, while officials work to contain the threat to livestock.
A potential New World screwworm case has been reported in South Texas, marking the first suspected breach of the US-Mexico border by the parasite. Samples are undergoing confirmatory testing by the USDA, which has deployed personnel and is working with local partners.
