AUSTIN (KXAN) — Concerns over the spread of the New World screwworm are growing after multiple new cases were confirmed on Monday, as state and federal officials ramp up efforts to contain the parasite fly.

Screwworm is not a virus but a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue, primarily affecting livestock and other animals.

A case of screwworm was identified in a goat in Gillespie County, according to state officials, on Monday. That follows two earlier reports in the day: one in a calf in La Salle County and another in a dog in Lea County, New Mexico.

State and federal leaders said they are taking aggressive steps to stop the spread.

“Teams are on the ground in infested zones, conducting active animal surveillance, establishing checkpoints, connecting with landowners and producers for sterile fly release locations, conducting ground and aerial release of sterile flies, and educating animal owners and the public on the pest and how to prevent the spread,” said Dr. Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges, Executive Director of Texas Animal Health Commission.

 READ MORE: USDA Sec. Rollins, Gov. Abbott give update on flesh-eating pest spotted in Texas 

The emergence of new cases is raising concern across Texas’ cattle and beef industry, which is already dealing with high prices and tight supply.

At County Line Barbecue, brisket remains a staple and owner Skeeter Miller said the cost of serving it continues to climb.

“We just want to comfort the customer to know that they’re going to be having a good time, Miller said. “We’re serving the best beef we can.”

To keep up with rising prices, Miller said the restaurant has had to adjust its menu.

“What we have to do is kind of work with our menu a little bit,” Miller said. “[Like] create different platters where everybody gets a good taste of something.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, brisket wholesale prices have surged in recent years. In 2021, a pound ranged between roughly $2.40 and $3.00. By 2025, that increased to between about $5.75 and $7.00 per pound.

“I think it’s really important people know that unlike when we’ve had a chicken wing crisis, we had a chicken crisis, we had an egg crisis—beef, it takes a long time to replenish the herd,” said Emily Williams Knight, the president and CEO of Texas Restaurant Association.

Knight said demand for beef has increased in recent years, while supply has struggled to keep up, creating ongoing pressure on restaurants.

“We’re incredibly dependent both economically and culturally. Barbecue in Texas is part of our culture,” Knight said.

With screwworm cases now confirmed in parts of Texas, the screwworm threat is adding new uncertainty to an already strained system.

For long-time operators like Miller, it’s another challenge in an industry that has weathered previous crises.

“I’ve seen mad cow, I’ve seen bird flu, I’ve seen just about everything,” Miller said. “It’s an issue. We just want to comfort the customer to know that they’re going to be having a good time, and we’re serving the best beef we can.”

During Monday’s briefing, officials urged ranchers and livestock owners to report any suspected screwworm cases immediately. They said early reporting helps prioritize resources, which includes a limited supply of sterile flies used to control the pest, as it is critical to stopping the spread quickly.

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