Screwworm Resurgence Threatens Texas Ranches | San Antonio News

A deadly pest is making a terrifying comeback: the New World screwworm fly, which burrows into animals and feeds on their flesh. With 32 confirmed cases since June—nearly all in Texas—this outbreak has doubled in two weeks, threatening ranchers already battling labor shortages and wildlife monitoring gaps. Once eradicated in 1966, the fly returned with a vengeance in 1976, infecting 1.5 million cattle and costing over $132 million. Now, officials are deploying sterile male flies to curb reproduction, which has slowed spread to hotspots like Crockett County. But experts warn: can we produce enough sterile flies to win this battle? The clock is ticking. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/28778d6f97cfad03