A potential case of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has been detected in South Texas, marking a possible first breach of the US-Mexico border by this pest. The USDA is conducting confirmatory testing after the parasite, which was eradicated from the US in the 1960s, has been moving north through Central America. The detection has raised concerns in the US cattle industry, as screwworms pose significant threats to livestock by laying eggs in wounds and causing life-threatening infections.
Background
New World screwworms are parasitic flies whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including livestock and humans. The US successfully eradicated the pest in the 1960s through a sterile insect technique program, saving the livestock industry an estimated $900 million annually.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jun 4, 2026 at 05:31 AM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10