Texas Reports Second Case of Flesh-Eating Screwworm in Cattle
Second flesh-eating screwworm infection reported in cattle in Texas
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Texas has confirmed a second case of the flesh-eating screwworm fly, prompting state and federal action to contain the outbreak. The infections, detected in Zavala County, mark the first occurrence in the U.S. since the 1960s, raising concerns for the cattle industry and leading to a temporary livestock ban from Canada.
- 01The second case of the new world screwworm (NWS) was confirmed in Zavala County, Texas, following an initial case in a calf.
- 02Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a statewide disaster and is coordinating with federal agencies to manage the outbreak.
- 03The USDA has implemented measures including dispersing sterile flies to control the population and prevent reproduction.
- 04The outbreak poses a significant economic threat to Texas's cattle industry, which has already faced challenges due to prior restrictions on cattle imports from Mexico.
- 05Canada has temporarily banned livestock from Texas due to the screwworm infections, although the colder climate is expected to mitigate risks.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed a second case of the flesh-eating new world screwworm (NWS) in Texas, following an initial detection in a calf. The cases, found in Zavala County, are the first in the U.S. since the 1960s, prompting Texas Governor Greg Abbott to declare a statewide disaster. State officials are collaborating with federal agencies to combat the outbreak by dispersing millions of sterile flies to inhibit reproduction. Movement restrictions for animals have been implemented to prevent further spread. The NWS larvae, which feed on living flesh, can cause severe health issues in animals. The USDA assures that the U.S. food supply remains safe, as NWS does not infest food products. However, the resurgence of this parasite poses a significant threat to the cattle industry, which is already facing economic challenges due to previous restrictions on cattle imports from Mexico. In response to the outbreak, Canada has announced a temporary ban on livestock from Texas, urging farmers to monitor their animals closely for signs of infection.
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The outbreak of NWS could lead to significant economic losses for Texas cattle ranchers, with potential animal deaths and increased treatment costs.
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