Additional Coverage:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the first case of the New World screwworm in New Mexico, marking the fifth verified occurrence in the United States. The parasite was discovered in a dog in Lea County, near the Texas border, an area where four other cases have been identified in the past week.
The New World screwworm is a highly dangerous parasite. Female flies lay hundreds of eggs in open wounds on animals, and occasionally humans.
The larvae hatch quickly and feed on living tissue, causing severe, painful wounds. Without prompt treatment, infestations can lead to serious infections and even death.
In a statement about the new case, the USDA emphasized, “This situation is evolving, and we expect new information to emerge as our investigation continues.” The agency is collaborating closely with partners in New Mexico, Texas, and the surrounding region to identify, contain, and respond swiftly to any new cases.
The first U.S. case was detected last week in a three-week-old calf in Texas, followed by another infected calf nearby shortly after. Since then, three Texas counties-Kinney, Jim Hogg, and Uvalde-have declared local states of disaster due to the threat.
Similar emergency declarations are pending in Webb, La Salle, and Val Verde counties. Local officials have urged President Donald Trump to declare a national emergency, citing the urgent need for additional funding, personnel, and resources to control the parasite before it becomes established.
This outbreak follows reports of screwworm infestations in southern Mexico last year, with cases documented in Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. Researchers warn that rising temperatures may increase the risk of spread, with Gulf Coast states such as Texas, Florida, and Louisiana potentially facing widespread infestations by 2055.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott stressed the importance of protecting the state’s livestock industry: “The protection of our ranchers, livestock producers, deer breeders and the Texas economy from this pest is a top priority. We have eradicated this pest before, and we will do it again in close cooperation with our federal partners. Texans should stay alert, check animals daily for wounds, and report any suspected cases immediately.”