Screwworm Threat Resurfaces in Texas

Texas braces for a dangerous resurgence of the New World screwworm — a flesh-eating parasite eradicated decades ago — as three new cases push the total to five in under a week. This invasive fly lays eggs in wounds, and its larvae burrow into living tissue, threatening livestock, wildlife, pets, and even humans. With Texas’s massive cattle industry at risk, officials have launched a rapid response: 75 USDA and state personnel are on the ground, setting up quarantines, boosting traps, and preparing to deploy sterile flies this week — currently imported from Panama and Mexico, with a U.S. facility launching next year. Experts urge farmers and pet owners to watch for wounds, maggots, or lesions and report any signs immediately — because early detection could mean the difference between containment and catastrophe. Support the show:Get a discount at https://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/7eb0f1e02dcee1ee