USDA confirms 2 new screwworm cases in Texas

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Monday said two additional cases of New World screwworm were detected in Texas days after authorities discovered the flesh-eating parasite returned to the Lone Star State for the first time in decades.

One reported case of an infested calf occurred in La Salle County, Texas while another case involved a dog in Andrews County, Texas. 

Epidemiological investigations are ongoing for both cases, USDA said. 

Early reports indicate the dog was recently in Mexico, where the deadly New World screwworm flies were detected in 2024. 

Dudley Hoskins, USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs, said the department is “simultaneously working to eradicate the pest entirely” after now determining four confirmed detections of New World screwworm. 

The parasite........

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