New World screwworm outbreak in Texas

The Cochliomyia, a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the flesh of warm-blooded animals, has been detected in United States — Texas for the first time in about 50 years. First found in a calf in United States — Zavala County, Texas in early June 2026, detections have grown to over 30 animals, including sheep and goats, primarily in southern United States — Texas. An infected dog in New Mexico suggests possible local transmission, raising concerns of undetected spread. The source of the outbreak remains unknown, with theories including infected livestock or wildlife crossing from Mexico, where the screwworm has re-emerged since 2023 after decades of containment. The USDA has quarantined parts of over a dozen United States — Texas counties, and several states have restricted livestock movement from United States — Texas. The agency has added over 100 employees to address the outbreak and, with Mexico, opened a new sterile fly facility in Mexico — Metapa, Mexico. Political debate has emerged, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins blaming immigration policies, while critics point to USDA staff cuts. The outbreak poses significant risk to the US cattle herd and may take years to eradicate.