Deadly parasite accelerated again in the USA
In the USA, where more than 40 cases were confirmed in November, the total number of cases approached 130.
Quick Look
New World screwworm cases, which were limited to the summer months in the USA, started to rise again in November, with more than 40 confirmed, and the total number of cases approached 130.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
New World screwworm fly larvae destroy livestock flesh, causing fatal damage.
New World screwworm cases, which were limited to the summer months in the USA, have started to rise again.
According to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) data, more than 40 cases were confirmed in November. Thus, November was the month with the highest number of cases recorded since the parasite was seen in Texas in June.
According to Bloomberg, as of November 10, the total number of cases in the country approached 130, and it was noted that more than 60 of them were active. Cases began to accelerate in October, when the parasite first reached Arizona.
Cattle imports from Mexico are being discussed
The USDA largely kept the outbreak under control throughout the summer with animal movement controls, monitoring programs, and sterilized flies released into the wild to limit breeding.
The ministry explained that current weather conditions may increase the survival probability of flies, but it is difficult to attribute the increase in cases to a single reason.
Animal movements also play a role in spread. Since flies do not travel long distances on their own, they can be transported to new areas via livestock or wildlife.
This has increased some breeders' concerns about the resumption of cattle imports from Mexico. Imports from Mexico, where there were approximately 1,500 active cases, were stopped to prevent the spread of the parasite and were restarted at the end of August.
According to the USDA, more than 65,000 cattle have entered the United States since the borders opened. The Ministry states that strict inspections reduce the possibility of infected animals entering the country. Despite the increase in cases, border gates are planned to be kept open.
The facility in Texas, which is expected to significantly increase production of sterilized flies, is not expected to open before next spring. USDA shifted fly releases to areas where need is highest in Arizona and New Mexico. The practice also continues in some parts of Texas.
New World screwworm fly larvae cause serious and often fatal damage when embedded in the flesh of a live animal.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
It is planned to keep the border gates open.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will cases increase further in the coming months?
- Will cattle imports from Mexico be suspended?
