screwworm

The New World screwworm (NWS) fly, a flesh-eating parasite not seen in the US for decades, has been confirmed in a calf in South Texas, near the Mexico border. This marks the first detection on a US farm in approximately 60 years, raising alarms for the country's cattle industry. Federal and state officials have initiated quarantine measures and are actively working to contain the parasite, with no other animal infestations detected around the confirmed case thus far. The screwworm larvae feed on living flesh, posing a significant threat to livestock and potentially other animals. The rapid response aims to prevent a widespread outbreak of this once-eradicated pest, highlighting its continued relevance and the ongoing challenges in animal health and agricultural biosecurity.