State and federal officials are on alert after a new case of New World screwworm was confirmed just 70 miles south of the Texas border. The parasitic fly poses a serious threat to cattle, deer, and other livestock, and has historically caused millions of dollars in losses to the ranching industry.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas Animal Health Commission say they are stepping up surveillance and prevention measures along the border. That includes increased inspections, fly traps, and distribution of sterile flies to limit the parasite’s ability to spread.
Ranchers are being urged to closely monitor their herds for signs of infection, which can include open wounds that fail to heal. The last major outbreak in Texas occurred in the 1960s before a binational eradication program pushed the pest out of the United States.
Officials stress the risk to humans is extremely low, but warn that a widespread outbreak among animals could cause severe economic damage across Texas ranch country.
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