As of June 11, eight cases of New World screwworm have been reported in Texas, with the first case since 1966 appearing in Zavala County on June 3. An additional case was reported in New Mexico. The parasitic fly poses a significant threat to livestock and the state's economy.
The reappearance of New World screwworms in Texas after over 50 years poses a significant threat to livestock, the state's economy, and its hunting industry, necessitating preparedness and monitoring efforts.
The first New World screwworm case in Texas since 1966 has been reported, prompting tracking efforts by KXAN. As of June 11, eight cases have been confirmed in the state, with the initial case appearing in Zavala County on June 3. An additional case has been reported in New Mexico.
The parasitic fly lays eggs in animal wounds or orifices, posing a potentially fatal threat to livestock. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) emphasized the importance of preparedness for such outbreaks to protect public health, animal health, agriculture, the food supply, and the economy.
Of the cases in Texas, the majority have been identified in cattle, with two reported in goats. The economic impact of a screwworm outbreak could be substantial, with estimates suggesting around $1.8 billion in annual costs for Texas. Cattle producers alone could face losses between $735 million and $745 million each year, according to Peyton Schuman of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. The state's $9.6 billion hunting industry is also at risk, recalling that 80% of Texas' white-tailed deer were lost during a similar outbreak in the 1960s.