Screwworm Update: Abbott Activates Emergency Center in 'Escalated Response'
Summary
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has activated an emergency response to combat the return of the New World screwworm, a parasitic insect now found in Texas. The screwworm threatens livestock, especially cattle, and could cause higher beef prices and disrupt food supply chains across the U.S.Key Facts
- The New World screwworm was detected in Texas in June 2026 after being absent for decades.
- Governor Abbott raised the state emergency response to Level II and called for a coordinated effort of multiple agencies.
- The parasite mainly harms livestock by laying eggs that produce larvae feeding on living tissue.
- Texas is the largest cattle producer in the U.S., so an outbreak could tighten beef supplies and raise prices nationwide.
- The screwworm has spread from South America through Central America and Mexico in recent years, reaching the U.S. border.
- Human infections are rare but possible when larvae enter open wounds or body openings.
- Florida has imposed emergency rules to ban importing warm-blooded animals from affected regions until June 10 to prevent spread.
- The situation poses risks not only to agriculture but to broader food supply and related economic sectors due to possible increased costs.
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