USDA Confirms 2nd Texas Screwworm Case After 60 Years as Outbreak Tops 171,700 Animal Infections
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 17
USDA Confirms 2nd Texas Screwworm Case After 60 Years as Outbreak Tops 171,700 Animal Infections
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 17
Summary
A second New World screwworm case has been confirmed in Texas cattle, marking the parasite’s return to U.S. soil for the first time since its eradication about 60 years ago.
USDA and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins tied the spread to infested livestock moving north through cartel-run smuggling corridors after a Central American biological containment barrier broke down in 2021.
Official data cited in the report show more than 171,700 animal cases and over 2,070 human cases across Mexico and Central America, with many infestations believed to go undetected.
The risk reaches into U.S. food supply chains because cartels are estimated to move 800,000 cattle a year through Mexico using fake ear tags and falsified veterinary records, feeding a $320 million illicit trade.
The threat lands as U.S. cattle inventory sits at a 75-year low and dependence on Mexican agricultural imports remains high, including 1.25 million live cattle exported to the U.S. in 2024.
As a devastating parasite returns to the U.S., is the nation's beef supply chain headed for a potential collapse?
Can new sterile fly technology win the race against a parasite threatening America's cattle industry after a 60-year absence?
2026 Screwworm Outbreak in the U.S.: The Return of a Flesh-Eating Parasite After Six Decades
Overview
The re-emergence of the New World screwworm in the United States is a major concern because its larvae, equipped with specialized mouth hooks, aggressively feed on the healthy, living tissue of warm-blooded animals. This destructive feeding causes visible wounds and lesions, making infected animals easy to identify. While some cases are managed and classified as inactive after recovery or proper treatment, the outbreak highlights the urgent need for vigilance and rapid response. The unique biology and aggressive behavior of the screwworm larvae set this pest apart, underscoring the threat it poses to animal health and the importance of effective containment strategies.