A flesh-eating parasite that was once considered eradicated from the US has returned to Texas, posing a significant threat to cattle, wildlife, and pets. The New World screwworm, a fly that lays eggs in open wounds, has been identified in several cases across the state, with the first case confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas.

What is the New World Screwworm?

The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that feeds on the tissue of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The larvae of the fly can cause severe damage to the host animal, leading to anemia, secondary bacterial infections, and even death if left untreated.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been over 185,000 animal cases and 2,100 human cases reported in Mexico and Central America since the latest outbreak began in 2023. In the US, there have been 15 cases identified as of Sunday, with the majority of cases occurring in Texas.

Impact on Texas

Texas, the largest beef producer in the country, is likely to be heavily impacted by the outbreak. The state’s cattle industry could suffer significant losses, with some estimates suggesting that the outbreak could cost the southwestern United States billions of dollars.

The CDC has designated the outbreak a Level 3 public health emergency, its lowest level, and is working with state and federal authorities to monitor the situation and prevent further spread of the parasite.

Veterinarians are urging animal owners to be vigilant and to report any cases of suspected screwworm infestation to the authorities. Treatment for the parasite is available, and animals that fully recover from an infection can eventually enter the food supply after a rigorous USDA safety inspection.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.