Alarm as once-eradicated flesh-eating parasite found in calf in Texas
A flesh-eating New World screwworm parasite has been detected in a Texas calf, marking the first such case in the United States in six decades. Agriculture officials are concerned about the potential impact on the livestock industry despite ongoing efforts to control the parasite's spread from Mexico.
Why it matters
The resurgence of a previously eradicated parasite poses a significant economic threat to the US cattle industry and potential risks to food supply chains.
Larvae of the screwworm fly, collected from infected cows, are observed at the COPEG sterile fly production plant in Pacora, Panama, in 2025. Photograph: Enea Lebrun/Reuters View image in fullscreen Larvae of the screwworm fly, collected from infected cows, are observed at the COPEG sterile fly production plant in Pacora, Panama, in 2025. Photograph: Enea Lebrun/Reuters Texas Alarm as once-eradicated flesh-eating parasite found in calf in Texas USDA confirms first case of New World screwworm in cattle in six decades, posing threat to livestock industry
The report focuses on agricultural and environmental risks, citing official statements from the USDA and state commissioners.
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