The New World screwworm fly, a pest not seen in Texas since 1966, poses a significant threat to the U.S. cattle industry, valued at $113 billion. This fly’s larvae consume live flesh, making cattle, wildlife, pets, and even humans vulnerable. The infestation was recently discovered in a calf in La Pryor, Texas, near the U.S.-Mexico border. The fly was previously eradicated in the U.S. through a program that released sterile males to control the population. Despite the threat, officials assure that beef production is unlikely to be affected, which is crucial as consumers face high prices. The fly’s presence in Mexico since 2024 has raised concerns, prompting efforts to prevent its spread into the U.S.
QUESTION: How might the re-emergence of the screwworm fly impact the future of cattle farming practices in the U.S.?
What to know about the New World screwworm fly and its reappearance in the US
