WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported a suspected case of the New World screwworm in South Texas and said it is conducting laboratory testing in Iowa to confirm the detection.
The USDA said on Wednesday it activated personnel and coordinated with local partners following the report.
“We have already activated personnel on the ground and are working with local partners,” the agency said in a social media post. “What you can expect from us is transparency, candor, and most important — action.”
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including cattle, wildlife, and pets, and in rare cases humans. Infestations can cause severe injuries and can be fatal if untreated.
The reported detection comes as U.S. and Mexican authorities monitor the northward spread of the parasite. Earlier this week, the USDA confirmed a case in Coahuila, Mexico, about 25 miles south of the U.S. border.
Texas officials have previously outlined response measures to address a potential outbreak, including plans for a $750 million facility in South Texas intended to help prevent the parasite’s spread.
A confirmed case in Texas would mark a significant development for livestock producers and wildlife officials in the state.
