US cattle prices rally on screwworm fears and supply chain disruption

The first U.S. case of New World screwworm in decades has been confirmed in a calf in La Pryor, Texas, raising concerns among ranchers and pet owners about potential decimation of cattle herds and local wildlife. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is leading containment efforts, deploying workers to set fly traps, release sterile flies to halt reproduction, and inspect livestock at checkpoints. Fears of further infestations have contributed to a rally in U.S. cattle futures, as potential supply chain disruptions loom. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster and urged the federal government to expedite the completion of a sterile fly production facility, originally slated for November 2027, stating it must be operational before summer 2027 to prevent a second season of spread. Some local officials and ranchers have criticized the USDA's preparedness and response.