New World Screwworm Found In Texas: What It Means For US, Beef Prices
Summary
A parasitic fly called the New World screwworm has been found in a young calf in Texas, near the Mexico border. Officials have set up a quarantine to stop the spread and say the fly poses a risk to cattle but not to the safety of beef food products.Key Facts
- The New World screwworm is a fly that lays larvae which feed on warm-blooded animals, harming them.
- The infected calf was three weeks old and found in La Pryor, Texas, about 50 miles from the Mexico border.
- A 12-mile quarantine zone was created to limit movement of animals in and out without inspection.
- Officials have not found any other cases of the screwworm in the U.S. so far.
- If treated, infected animals can recover from the larvae infestation.
- The screwworm threatens livestock but does not infect meat or food products.
- U.S. cattle numbers are currently at a low level, causing high beef prices.
- A screwworm outbreak could further reduce cattle supply and increase beef prices.
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