First, it was bird flu leading to a massive cull of chickens. Now, agricultural producers have another worry on the horizon, the possible return of the Screw Worm.
Screw worms are parasites that can infect warm-blooded animals, including humans. They are larvae, or maggots, that burrow into the wound and feed making the appearance of rotten flesh. It is easily detectable on cattle.
"If a cow has it, and you're within 100 feet of it, you know it," explains Bosque County rancher Chris Farley.
Farley recalls that the New World Screw Worm was eradicated in the US in 1966. But now, USDA has banned Mexican cattle imports after a screwworm was found on a cow near the Mexican-Guatemala border.
But, Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller believes that's a step too far, pointing out that cattle imported from Mexico go straight to quarantine pens where US veterinarians inspect them for diseases before they're sold in US markets.
Miller believes that the Mexico ban will only drive up beef prices which are already at all-time highs.