{"id":370271,"date":"2026-07-12T14:46:08","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T14:46:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/370271\/"},"modified":"2026-07-12T14:46:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T14:46:08","slug":"where-is-screwworm-in-texas-track-cases-here-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/370271\/","title":{"rendered":"Where is screwworm in Texas? Track cases here."},"content":{"rendered":"

by Berenice Garcia, Jayme Lozano Carver, Stephen Simpson, Hien An Ngo and Alex Ford, The Texas Tribune
June 12, 2026<\/p>\n

A small fly has the potential to impart a big impact on Texas\u2019 beef and agricultural industry. <\/p>\n

On June 3<\/a>, the New World screwworm was detected in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Since then, the agency reported more screwworm infestations<\/a> in Texas.<\/p>\n

The fly poses a multibillion-dollar crisis for the state\u2019s cattle industry, which generates $41 billion a year. It could also increase already record-high beef prices nationwide.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s unclear how many cases could hit Texas. Nearly 28,000 cases<\/a> have been detected in Mexico since November 2024, according to Mexican officials.<\/p>\n

State and federal officials are working together to stop the northern migration, which they have tracked since 2023. In response to the cases, USDA and the Texas Animal Health Commission have ramped up animal surveillance of animals near the confirmed detections by setting up zones around each infestation. Animals are not allowed to leave infested areas without being properly inspected.<\/p>\n

Officials are also increasing fly traps, surveillance of wildlife and releasing sterile flies, which are used to break the reproduction cycle of the parasitic screwworm fly. <\/p>\n

New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly<\/a> that is attracted to living tissue, burrowing their larvae into open wounds. After they hatch, the maggots then feed off that living flesh, causing damage to the animal. If untreated, the damage can even cause the animal to die.<\/p>\n

Screwworm can also burrow through openings in the skin, such as the corner of an eye or through the nose.<\/p>\n

From a biological standpoint, all mammals are vulnerable to screwworm, including pets and humans<\/a>. However, livestock and wildlife tend to be the most susceptible because they spend their entire lives outdoors.<\/p>\n

Dogs and cats are vulnerable through small wounds or scratches that break the skin. Health officials recommend pets be medicated for fleas and ticks year-round, said Casey Locklear, veterinarian and parasiticides lead for Elanco Animal Health.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a pet owner, if you were to notice that your dog or cat had a wound, especially if it\u2019s foul smelling, it\u2019s enlarging, you may actually see the maggots,\u201d Locklear said. \u201cIf you see a wound, get treatment early. Whether that\u2019s for yourself or your pet, early treatment is key.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more about the screwworm here<\/a>. <\/p>\n

This article<\/a> first appeared on The Texas Tribune<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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