Screwworm comeback: a dinner-safe scare, but beef prices could rise

The New World screwworm has reappeared in the United States and targets living tissue in livestock, but public health officials say it does not threaten food safety—meat is still considered safe thanks to veterinary care and strict inspection; the bigger impact is economic, with potential billions in damage to the southwestern US and potential higher beef prices, since infestations affect livestock health and supply rather than the safety or quality of meat already in the food chain.