First US screwworm case in 60 years: Should America be worried?
Summary
A dangerous parasite called the New World screwworm, which eats living tissue, has been found in a calf in Texas—the first U.S. case in 60 years. This parasite was previously controlled and eliminated in the U.S. but is now spreading again from Mexico, posing a risk to livestock and possibly humans.Key Facts
- The New World screwworm is a parasite larvae that hatch from eggs laid in wounds on warm-blooded animals, including cattle and sometimes humans.
- It was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 1966 but recently reappeared in a calf in Texas near the Mexican border.
- The screwworm larvae feed on living flesh, causing painful wounds, illness, and can lead to death if untreated.
- Between July and August 2025, Mexico saw a 53% increase in screwworm cases in animals.
- Human infections are rare, but possible, especially in people with wounds; 41 human cases were reported in Mexico last year.
- The livestock industry could face major damage, with an estimated $1.8 billion loss to the Texas economy if the parasite spreads widely.
- Treatment involves manually removing larvae, disinfecting wounds, using antibiotics to prevent infections, and insecticides to stop reinfestation.
- Screwworm flies can travel many kilometers, which helps the parasite spread across borders and regions.
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