US Screwworm Cases Climb to 12 as Texas Outbreak Spreads Beyond South Texas
Updated
Updated · Texas Public Radio · Jun 14
US Screwworm Cases Climb to 12 as Texas Outbreak Spreads Beyond South Texas
3 articles · Updated · Texas Public Radio · Jun 14
Summary
Twelve New World screwworm infestations are now confirmed in the United States, including 11 in Texas and one in New Mexico, with the latest Texas case found in a sheep in Sutton County.
The Sutton County detection—about 135 miles northwest of San Antonio—heightens concern that the flesh-eating parasite is moving beyond South Texas after reappearing this month.
State and federal officials are trying to contain the outbreak with surveillance, testing and the release of millions of sterile male flies, which curb reproduction because females usually mate only once.
Greg Abbott has declared a disaster across all 254 Texas counties as livestock owners are urged to inspect animals and report suspected cases quickly to limit damage to cattle, sheep, wildlife and pets.
Eradicated from the United States in the 1960s, screwworm spread north through Mexico from Central America and now threatens Texas' livestock industry, though officials say properly handled meat remains safe.