Key facts
- The New World screwworm fly was detected in a calf near the Mexican border in Texas.
- This is the first detection of the screwworm fly in the U.S. in 60 years.
- The USDA is implementing containment and eradication measures.
- Increased monitoring of livestock populations near the border will occur.
The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has been detected in a calf near the U.S. border with Mexico in Texas. This discovery necessitates urgent containment and eradication efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The parasite's reappearance in the U.S. after a 60-year absence, following its initial detection in the Florida Keys, presents a significant threat to the nation's livestock, particularly the cattle herd. US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated on Thursday that no other infestations of cattle or other animals have been detected around the confirmed case in La Pryor, Texas. The USDA is actively working to prevent further spread and manage the situation.