What to know about the New World screwworm fly and its U.S. reappearance
Summary
The New World screwworm fly has been found again in Texas, threatening the U.S. cattle industry for the first time since 1966. The fly’s larvae eat live flesh, which can harm animals if not treated, but officials say it is unlikely to affect beef production significantly.Key Facts
- The screwworm fly infestation was discovered in a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, near the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Texas has a $17 billion cattle industry, part of the total $113 billion U.S. cattle industry.
- The fly was largely eradicated in the U.S. by releasing sterile male flies to stop reproduction, but it has spread again from Panama through Mexico.
- Females lay eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals, making livestock vulnerable due to common handling injuries like cuts or tick bites.
- If not treated, infestations can cause death in animals; several treatments are approved for use.
- The fly has sickened over 171,700 animals and 2,000 people across Central America and Mexico, with 10 human deaths reported.
- Officials have been warning about the fly’s movement toward the U.S. since late 2024 and have taken steps such as closing border livestock crossings.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the fly is unlikely to seriously harm beef production or increase prices.
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