Texas confirms second screwworm case, expands disaster declaration
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IN SHORT
Texas is grappling with an escalating New World screwworm outbreak, confirmed in at least eight cattle cases since early June, with one additional case in New Mexico. Governor Greg Abbott has expanded a disaster declaration as the parasitic fly larvae, which feed on living tissue, threaten the state's multi-billion dollar cattle industry and potentially national beef prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is resuming sterile-fly production to combat the spread, while ranchers are using drones for intensified inspections. The outbreak has also led to a U.S. border closure, benefiting Mexican beef producers but causing hardship for Texas feedlots.
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Key Numbers
eightNew World screwworm cases in Texas
1966year of first Texas screwworm case since
1970sdecade of first U.S. screwworm cases since
Who's Involved
Texas
state confirming multiple New World screwworm cases
Governor Greg Abbott
Texas governor expanding disaster declaration
New Mexico
state reporting one New World screwworm case
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
federal agency resuming sterile-fly production
cattlemen
livestock producers employing drones for inspections
President Trump
U.S. President concerned about beef prices
Mexico
country benefiting from U.S. border closure
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Key facts
At least eight cases of New World screwworm have been reported in Texas as of June 11.
The first Texas screwworm case since 1966 appeared in Zavala County on June 3.
One additional screwworm case was reported in New Mexico.
Governor Greg Abbott has expanded Texas's disaster declaration.
The USDA is resuming sterile-fly production to combat the outbreak.
Cattlemen are using drones and intensifying inspections to protect herds.
A U.S. border closure is in effect due to the screwworm.
The screwworm larvae feed on living tissue and can be fatal if untreated.
The first U.S. screwworm cases since the 1970s were confirmed in Texas.
The outbreak threatens the state's cattle industry and potentially national beef prices.
Texas has confirmed at least eight cases of New World screwworm infestation as of June 11, with the first case since 1966 appearing in Zavala County on June 3. An additional case has been reported in New Mexico. The parasitic fly larvae feed on living tissue and can be fatal to animals if untreated, posing a significant threat to livestock and the state's economy, which includes a substantial cattle industry. Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the state's disaster declaration in response to the outbreak. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is resuming sterile-fly production to combat the spread of the screwworm. Cattlemen are employing drones and intensifying inspections to protect their herds from the infestation. The outbreak has also led to a U.S. border closure, which has benefited Mexican beef producers while causing hardship for Texas feedlots. Ranchers are facing the dual threat of this potential screwworm outbreak, described as "nightmares and horrors," and a severe lack of grazing grass, forcing many to sell their cattle early. This situation poses a challenge to President Trump's desire for lower beef prices, as the infestation impacts the beef industry and could affect consumer costs. Officials stress that the larvae do not infest meat or fruit. The first U.S. screwworm cases since the 1970s were confirmed in Texas, leading to concerns among ranchers about the USDA's response and preparedness.
Frequently asked questions
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly larvae that burrows into the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, causing serious damage and economic losses to livestock.
The U.S. cattle herd is already at a 75-year low, and beef prices are at record highs. An unchecked screwworm infestation could further reduce herd size, increase costs for meatpackers, and potentially impact consumer beef prices.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the state's disaster declaration, and the USDA is responding with containment measures and enhanced sterile insect dispersal in the affected area.
Yes, analysts warn that a widespread outbreak in Texas could lead to higher cattle costs, potentially impacting consumer demand for beef and contributing to higher prices.
What Happens Next
01State officials and the USDA will continue containment and eradication measures.
02Monitoring of cattle herds for further signs of infestation will continue.
03Tighter cattle movement controls are expected across Texas.
04Potential impacts on meatpackers and consumer demand for beef will be closely watched.
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