Federal officials have confirmed two additional cases of New World screwworm in Texas, bringing the total to at least four since the first detection earlier this month and expanding concerns for livestock, pets and wildlife across the state.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced Monday that the new cases involve a calf in La Salle County and a dog in Andrews County. The Andrews County case marks the first confirmed detection in a companion animal. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing; early reports indicate the dog had recently been in Mexico.
The parasite, unseen in the U.S. for nearly 60 years, lays eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals. Larvae then burrow into living tissue, causing severe damage and potential economic losses to the cattle industry. Officials continue aggressive containment efforts, including quarantines, enhanced surveillance, movement restrictions and large-scale releases of sterile flies in South Texas.
RELEASE: USDA Confirms Two Additional Cases of New World Screwworm in the United States
— New World Screwworm Rapid Response (@Screwworm_RR) June 8, 2026
A calf in La Salle County, TX and a dog in Andrews County, TX.https://t.co/nzWMQzDHjU
Texas leads the response with full USDA support. Ranchers and pet owners are urged to inspect animals daily for wounds, maggots or foul odors and report issues immediately to the Texas Animal Health Commission at 800-550-8242. No human cases have been reported in Texas.
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