The United States Department of Agriculture has confirmed a total of 12 cases of New World screwworm in the United States, in an outbreak which threatens the cattle industry and risks adding pressure to beef prices that are already at a record-high.
Residents, ranchers, veterinarians and wildlife managers have been urged to report any suspected cases immediately. Officials are moving to ensure rapid detection and containment of the flesh-eating parasite.
In a press release issued by the FDA on June 11, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr said that the government is “maintaining an aggressive approach to stop the spread and eradicate this pest.”
With a dozen cases now having been confirmed, a government map shows the infested zones in the Texas, which are concentrated in central and southwest areas of the state.
Map Shows ‘Infested Zones,’ In Texas
Screenshot of Texas Parks and Wildlife map shows the infected Screwworm zones in Texas.
The map shows that the zones are located outside of San Antonio.
The United States Department of Agriculture lists the confirmed cases on their website, and the counties these occurred in.
The counties impacted so far, are Edwards, Gillespie, La Salle, Sutton, Tom Green and Zavala.
In Texas, the impacted animal species are sheep, cattle and goats.
There are also infested zones in New Mexico.
Map from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows impacted areas in New Mexico and Texas.
One case has been reported in New Mexico, in Lea County. In that case, a dog has been impacted.
What Is New World Screwworm?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that New World screwworm is a fly that lays eggs in open wounds on animals or their body openings, for example, eyes, nose, mouth or genitals.
The eggs then hatch into parasitic maggots which eat the animals’ living tissue.
While New World screwworm primarily affects livestock, wildlife and pets, it is possible for humans to be infected.
When a case involves humans, it occurs in a similar way to when a case involves an animal.
The parasite can enter through a break in the skin, and openings like a person’s eyes, genitals, ears, nose, mouth and anorectal area, the CDC says.
How The Government Has Responded
The government has responded to the increased case count quickly with a number of measures in a bid to manage the situation.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered an “escalated response,” activating the State Emergency Operations Center at Level II, mobilizing all available state resources as officials move to contain the parasitic pest.
That move directs the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to coordinate a multiagency response, which will in turn bring together animal health, agriculture and public health officials to prevent further spread.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency authorization for nitenpyram tablets, which will make it the first generic animal drug cleared to treat infestations caused by the deadly New World screwworm.
“When I signed the initial emergency declaration back in August 2025, we established a proactive defense. Today’s authorization is the latest tactical tool in that ongoing containment strategy—providing an affordable, fast-acting treatment for dogs and cats in affected areas,” Kennedy said.
Beyond the organizational response from lawmakers, there has also been clashes over who is to blame for the cases.
Republicans have pointed to the border policies of former President Joe Biden. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said that “not much had been done” to prevent another screwworm outbreak under the previous administration.
Rollins said the parasites’ movement from Central America into Mexico and then the United States occurred during Biden’s presidency. This has been echoed by other GOP lawmakers, including Kansas Senator Roger Marshall, who told Newsmax “This is another thing we can thank Joe Biden for.”
A USDA spokesperson previously told Newsweek “After The Biden Administration allowed the New World Screwworm to cross the Darién Gap and enter Mexico, the Trump USDA has not wavered in executing our New World Screwworm response.”
Democrat lawmakers, meanwhile, have blamed actions taken during President Donald Trump’s administration, including the now-disbanded, Department of Government Efficiency.
Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan wrote in a post on X: “Trump GUTTED funding for screwworm detection and fired 25 percent of workers whose job it was to monitor the disease.”
Funding was cut for a program focused on monitoring and containing the spread of New World screwworm in Central America, according to a March 2025 report by Agri-Pulse, an industry news outlet.
However, it remains unclear if those cuts have had any direct contribution to the recent U.S. cases.
What Pet Owners Should Know
Animals owners have been urged to report any suspected cases immediately, especially if there are any unusual wounds, or signs of infestation in livestock, pets, or wildlife.
Even small cuts or untreated injuries can be potential entry points for infestation, as the parasite targets open wounds.
Pets should be monitored for: worsening wounds, unusual swelling, foul odors and visible larva (maggots) in the skin.
Any suspicious symptoms should be treated as urgent and evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.
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