The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in Texas on June 3, marking the first known U.S. case in decades and the closest the parasite has come to reestablishing itself north of the Mexico border since its eradication in the 1960s.
So far, the Texas case appears isolated, with no additional detections reported. Still, authorities are treating it as a worst‑case scenario. A quarantine zone roughly 12 miles wide has been established around the McAllen Ranch and surveillance has ramped up across the region, according to the USDA.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warned residents to brace for a “challenging summer" during a June 4press conference, as agencies mobilize to prevent the parasite from gaining a foothold. Experts say the coming weeks will be critical. With increased surveillance, rapid treatment and strict containment, authorities hope to stop the outbreak before it spreads beyond a single case and avoid potentially billions in losses for ranchers and the broader food supply.
Because the parasite can infect any warm-blooded animal, the public concern extends beyond beef prices. Wildlife, pets and even people could find themselves occupied by flesh-eating larvae - but experts say that's not reason to panic. Here's why.
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