Customer awareness update: New World Screwworm detected in South Texas

We want to make you aware of an important development for the livestock industry. On June 3, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) confirmed the presence of New World Screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas.

The detection occurred in a three-week-old calf, with larvae identified in the umbilical area. At this time, no additional cases have been confirmed, and response teams are actively working to contain and eliminate the threat.

NWS is a serious pest that can affect all animals and in rare cases, humans. Unlike typical flies, screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, which can lead to severe animal health issues and economic loss if not quickly addressed.

“Today is the day that we’ve been in preparation for quite some time,” said Capital Farm Credit AgriRoots Outreach Officer Pat Shields.

While this confirmation is significant, it is not unexpected. Industry leaders, government agencies, and producers have spent months preparing for this possibility – and those preparations are now being put into action.

USDA, TAHC, and partners have already implemented coordinated response measures, including:

• A 20 km control zone with movement restrictions and increased surveillance
• Deployment of sterile flies to break the reproductive cycle
• Expanded trapping and monitoring efforts
• Wildlife surveillance and targeted outreach
• Activation of federal veterinary resources and support systems

The United States has successfully eradicated screwworm before – and there is strong confidence in the proven strategies being used again today.

This is not a time for panic — but it is a time for awareness and action.

As Pat emphasized, “It means that we will have to take some precautions, some work that we weren’t doing before — but there are resources to find out what you need to know. If you see something, say something, but be educated.

A valuable resource for getting the latest information is www.screwworm.gov.

We encourage all producers to:

• Inspect livestock regularly, especially around wounds or natural openings
• Watch for drainage, swelling, or unusual behavior
• Pay close attention to newborn animals, particularly the navel area
• Act quickly — “If you see something, say something — but be educated.”

Consumers can remain confident that the U.S. food supply is safe.

Screwworms do not affect meat products in commerce, and federal inspection protocols ensure any impacted animals do not enter the food chain.

We’ve prepared for this — and now we move forward with confidence, vigilance, and a shared commitment to protecting our livestock industry.