The First US Screwworm Detection in 60 Years

The Texas Animal Health Commission has confirmed the presence of New World Screwworm in four counties, marking the first US detection in 60 years.

The parasite, which infests living flesh, has been eradicated in North America since 1982 but persists in South America and Central America.

Rising global temperatures have raised concerns about its northward expansion, with researcch indicating that states along the Gulf Coast could face endemic screwworm infestations by 2055.

Quarantine in Four Texas Counties

The Texas Animal Health Commission has imposed a full ainmal quarantine across parts of La Salle, Uvalde, Webb, and Zavala Counties.

The quarantine prohibits the movement of all warm-blooded animals out of the designated zones, including cattle, horses, goats, dogs, and wildlife.

Residents within these zones are not restricted from travel but must be vigilant, as humans can also become hosts.

Human Cases in Mexico and Central America

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported over 2,100 human screwworm infections in Mexico and Central America this year alone.

The New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly that infests living flesh, causing deep, painful wounds that can become infected and lead to death if untreated.

Containment Efforts and Prevention Measures

The Texas Animal Health Commission is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to contain the spread.

Any animal leaving the quarantine zone must undergo inspection by TAHC officials and receive a movement certificate.

The CDC advises keeping all open wounds clean and covered, wearing loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and socks to minimize exposed skin, and avoiding contact with infected animals.

Early Symptoms of a Screwworm Infection

Early symptoms include unexplained painful wounds or sores that do not heal, foul-smelling odor or bleeding from the site, or seeing maggots or movement in wounds, nose, mouth, eyes, or ears.

High Stakes for the US Meat Supply and Public Health

A widespread outbreak could cost the livestock industry billions and endanger public health .

The proximity to Mexico, where over 185,000 animal cases have been recorded, underscores the urgency of the situation.

The four quarantined counties are also near major migrant routes, which researchers had previously flagged as potential pathways for the parasite's spread.