Texas Battles Screwworm Outbreak

Twenty-six confirmed screwworm cases across the U.S., 25 in Texas and 1 in New Mexico, trigger emergency quarantine zones covering 21 counties as this flesh-eating parasite spreads—new hotspots in Jim Hogg, Starr, and Zapata counties after an infected bovine near the border, with sheep infections prompting expanded quarantines in West and Central Texas. The invasive fly lays eggs in open wounds, larvae burrow into live tissue, and can be fatal without treatment—posing a severe threat to cattle and the beef industry. Strict movement bans on live animals, hides, or carcasses apply without official clearance, under a statewide disaster proclamation since January. If you’re in affected areas, monitor your animals closely and report suspected cases immediately—Texas Animal Health Commission is on the front lines to stop this deadly pest. 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/918f9add6a6487ec