Cows herd in a steady on June 5, 2026 in Dublin, Texas.
Brandon Bell | Getty Photos
The U.S. Division of Agriculture has confirmed a second case of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, in Texas.
The most recent detection was present in a 1-month-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, about 6 miles (9 km) from the primary confirmed case introduced earlier this month, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Well being Inspection Service introduced Friday. Extra samples taken from surrounding areas have up to now examined adverse.
New World screwworm larvae feed on the residing tissues of warm-blooded animals and may trigger critical accidents that may be deadly if untreated. This pest threatens livestock, wildlife, pets, and barely people.
The invention triggered cross-border restrictions. The Canadian Meals Inspection Company introduced Friday that it might quickly prohibit imports of livestock, together with horses, from affected areas of the US. Animals that originate from or have been in Texas inside 21 days earlier than crossing the border is not going to be permitted to enter Canada.
Federal and state authorities emphasised that the second case was detected inside an present motion management zone established after the primary discovery and stays inside an space the place sterile bugs are being launched to regulate pest populations.
“The USDA wasted no time on this combat. We have now defeated the New World screwworm earlier than, and we are going to do it once more,” Dudley Hoskins, the company’s assistant secretary for advertising and marketing and regulatory packages, stated in an announcement.
The USDA stated that regardless of the detection, the U.S. meals provide stays protected. The company says the New World screwworm doesn’t infect meat, fruits, greens or different meals. The affected animals have been recognized throughout testing and the contaminated product was not allowed to be distributed.
“Livestock homeowners and all Texans ought to stay vigilant,” Texas Farm Bureau Secretary Russell Boening stated in an announcement. “Surveillance and reporting are paramount. The earlier we detect an infestation, the earlier we are able to eradicate the New World screwworm fly.”
This story is growing. Please verify again for the newest info.
