USDA confirms second New World screwworm case in Texas; Canada imposes temporary livestock import restrictions
Second case found in Zavala County calf near initial incident; movement controls remain and sterile-insect releases continue
Quick Look
- 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.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
New World screwworm is a flesh-eating parasite; control programs include movement controls and sterile insect releases, as referenced in the article. The second Texas case occurs within an existing control zone.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed a second case of New World screwworm in Texas. The latest detection was found in a one-month-old calf in Zavala County, about 5.6 miles from the first confirmed case announced earlier this month, according to USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Additional samples collected from the surrounding area have tested negative so far.
New World screwworm larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, creating severe wounds that can be fatal if left untreated. The pest threatens livestock, wildlife, pets and, in rare instances, humans.
The discovery has triggered cross-border restrictions. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Friday it will temporarily restrict imports of livestock, including horses, from affected areas of the U.S. Animals that originated in or were present in Texas within 21 days before crossing the border will not be permitted entry into Canada.
Federal and state officials emphasized that the second case was detected within an existing movement-control zone established after the initial finding and that it remains within an area where sterile insects are being released to suppress the pest's population.
"USDA has not wasted any time in this fight, we have defeated New World screwworm before, and we will do it again," Dudley Hoskins, the agency's Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, said in a statement.
USDA said the U.S. food supply remains safe despite the detections. New World screwworms do not infest meat, fruits, vegetables or other food products, according to the agency. Any affected animal would be identified during inspection, and no contaminated product would be allowed to enter commerce, it said.
"Livestock owners and all Texans should remain vigilant," Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said in a statement. "Surveillance and reporting are a priority. The quicker an infestation is found, the quicker the New World screwworm can be eradicated."
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Continued surveillance and release of sterile insects in the movement-control zone to suppress the screwworm population.
Likely · Within weeks
Canada may adjust or extend import restrictions depending on additional detections or risk reassessment.
Possible · Within weeks
USDA and state agencies will continue monitoring and pursuing eradication efforts to ensure food-supply safety.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What is the exact date of the initial case?
- How many additional samples will be tested in the surrounding area?
- How long will Canada’s import restrictions remain in place?
- Will there be further cross-border measures if the outbreak spreads?
