Canada Bars Texas Livestock for 21 Days After 2 Screwworm Cases
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 6
Canada Bars Texas Livestock for 21 Days After 2 Screwworm Cases
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 6
Summary
Canada's food inspection agency temporarily blocked cattle and horses that were in Texas within 21 days of entering Canada after a second flesh-eating screwworm case was confirmed in a Texas calf.
Two infected calves were found this week near the Mexico border, including one inside a 20-km control zone, prompting USDA quarantines, movement controls and expanded surveillance.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster Friday, warning the outbreak is likely to spread through the summer in the top U.S. beef- and cattle-producing state.
Canada said its colder climate makes sustained spread unlikely, but urged farmers to watch livestock wounds and travelers to inspect pets returning from Texas.
The ban hits a cross-border trade that brought 550,000 U.S. cattle into Canada in 2025, as U.S. officials revive sterile-fly releases and other measures against a parasite eradicated domestically in 1966.
With cattle herds at a 75-year low, will this parasite outbreak cause record-high beef prices for consumers?
After 60 years of eradication, why is the flesh-eating screwworm back, and what 'solved' threats could be next?
Can releasing sterile flies in Texas stop a parasite that is already widespread and advancing through Mexico?
2026 Texas Screwworm Crisis: Containment, Economic Fallout, and the Future of U.S. Livestock Security
Overview
In June 2026, Texas faced an agricultural emergency after a confirmed outbreak of New World screwworm in La Pryor. Female screwworm flies lay eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals, and their larvae burrow into living flesh, which can be fatal if untreated. The outbreak mainly threatens livestock, pets, and wildlife, prompting swift action from state and federal agencies. Authorities implemented monitoring, quarantine, and public awareness measures to contain the spread. The crisis also triggered economic impacts, including falling cattle prices and trade restrictions, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated response and long-term prevention strategies.