All articles tagged with #new world screwworm
New Mexico confirmed its second New World screwworm case in a Grant County horse on Sept. 17, triggering a 12.4-mile quarantine zone. State and federal officials are expanding surveillance and fly-trapping to prevent further spread, while Georgia has tightened entry rules for animals from affected New Mexico counties.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its billionth sterile fly in Texas to combat the New World screwworm. This milestone marks a significant expansion of the sterile insect technique, a method used to interrupt the pest's breeding cycle. While the screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. decades ago, recent cases have prompted a federal response. Despite concerns from scientists about potential spread, fewer than 50 cases have been recorded in the U.S. this year. The Trump administration is working to ramp up production to ensure sufficient supply for the ongoing campaign.
The USDA has released its billionth sterile fly in Texas to combat the New World screwworm, a pest that was previously eradicated in the U.S. but has re-emerged. As of August 16, 2026, federal agencies confirmed 47 cases, with 46 in Texas and one in New Mexico. The sterile insect technique aims to disrupt the pest's breeding cycle by releasing sterile males that mate with wild females, preventing offspring. While fewer than 50 cases have been recorded this year, the Trump administration is ramping up production. CBP is supporting the effort by facilitating the movement of sterile flies from Panama and training personnel. The public is urged to report suspected cases to animal health authorities.
The USDA has released its billionth sterile fly in Texas to combat the New World screwworm, a pest that inflicts severe infections on warm-blooded animals. While the federal government is ramping up production and surveillance, fewer than 50 cases have been recorded in the U.S. this year. The strategy relies on releasing sterile males to interrupt breeding cycles, supported by cross-border cooperation and drone surveillance.
The U.S. has restarted a border crossing for Mexican cattle to help ease record-high beef prices, but economists say the impact will likely be small and slow due to a shrinking U.S. herd, ongoing supply constraints, and a phased reopening with strict health checks.
Pennsylvania agriculture officials have issued a quarantine order and urged farmers and pet owners to strengthen biosecurity measures after confirmed New World screwworm cases in the United States.
U.S. officials report 12 confirmed cases of New World screwworm (11 in Texas, 1 in New Mexico) as the flesh-eating parasite re-emerges after spreading north from Central America; eradicated in the 1960s, it threatens cattle, sheep and wildlife, prompting surveillance, testing and millions of sterile-male releases, a Kerrville research lab expansion, and a Texas disaster declaration to contain the outbreak; meat remains safe and early detection is crucial.
Idaho's agriculture department issued an administrative order restricting the movement of warm-blooded animals from screwworm‑infested zones and requiring a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within five days of travel, plus documentation that the animal was authorized to leave the infested area, after the first U.S. screwworm case was confirmed in Texas. Animals from states with detections but outside infestation zones must also have a health certificate issued within five days before entering Idaho; officials urged pet owners and travelers to take precautions and coordinate with USDA.
A New World screwworm outbreak near the Texas–Mexico border threatens Trump's bid to lower beef prices before the midterms, with potential billions in losses if it spreads. The USDA has quarantines and is releasing sterile flies to curb the pest, but containment is hampered by having only one North American sterile-fly facility (Panama) and a Texas plant not online until 2027. Beef prices are already high (ground beef ~ $7/lb, steak ~ $13/lb), and industry officials warn that the pest could keep costs elevated for farmers and shoppers.
The New World screwworm fly has reappeared in the United States, signaling a potential northward spread that could threaten livestock. In response, authorities are expanding a sterile-fly program, including a facility in Edinburg, Texas, where dyed fly pupae are used to rear and release sterile males to curb the population.
A New World Screwworm has been detected in the US for the first time since 1966, in a three-week-old calf in Texas near the Mexico border. Authorities are establishing a 20 km detection and quarantine zone to slow the spread as the parasite can infest wounds and threaten cattle herds; human risk is low and there are no food-safety concerns.
A New World screwworm was detected in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, with larvae found in the umbilical area; there are no additional detections at this time. USDA APHIS and Texas officials have launched containment and eradication efforts, including a 20-kilometer infested zone, quarantines, movement controls, and enhanced surveillance to protect livestock and prevent economic losses.
The first human case of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that causes tissue infestation, has been confirmed in Maryland after travel to Central America. While the risk to the US remains low due to successful eradication efforts, precautions are advised for travelers to endemic regions, and prompt medical treatment is necessary if infection occurs.
The first confirmed human case of New World screwworm myiasis in the US was reported in a traveler returning from El Salvador, highlighting a rare but serious parasitic infestation that primarily affects livestock but can also impact humans, with authorities monitoring the situation due to potential economic and health risks.
The US has confirmed its first human case of a flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm, in a Maryland resident who traveled from El Salvador. The parasite, which feeds on live tissue, is spreading in Central America and Mexico, but the risk to the US public remains low. Authorities are taking measures to prevent its entry into the US, including building a sterile fly production facility and monitoring imports.