A flesh-eating New World screwworm was just found in a Texas cow—here’s what to know

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first case of New World screwworm in a U.S. cow in about 60 years, detected in a calf in Zavala County, Texas. Screwworms are parasitic flies that lay eggs in wounds of warm-blooded animals, causing painful infections. The pest was eradicated in the U.S. in 1966 through the sterile insect technique but remains a problem in the Caribbean and South America. The USDA is taking immediate action to contain the threat, including quarantines, releasing sterile flies, and community outreach. Residents are advised to check animals for signs of infection and report any suspicions. Although rare, screwworms can infect humans, especially those with open wounds in endemic areas. QUESTION: How might the re-emergence of screwworms in the U.S. impact the agricultural industry and local communities?