Alarm as once-eradicated flesh-eating parasite found in calf in Texas
Summary
A harmful parasite called the New World screwworm fly has been found in a calf in Texas for the first time since the 1960s. This parasite was previously eliminated in the U.S. but is now moving north from Mexico, raising concerns for the cattle industry and beef prices.Key Facts
- The New World screwworm fly larvae feed on the blood and flesh of warm-blooded animals.
- It was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1970s after causing major economic losses.
- The parasite was found in a calf about 50 miles from the Mexico border in Texas.
- Officials fear it could spread quickly where many cattle and livestock are kept.
- The USDA has released billions of sterile flies to control the parasite, but it still moved over 1,100 miles from southern Mexico to Texas.
- The Texas case is the only confirmed detection this year and the first in the state since 1966.
- A new sterile fly breeding facility is being built in Texas to help fight the parasite.
- The screwworm fly is not a threat to food safety but may affect livestock populations and raise food costs.
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