The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed new cases of New World screwworm in Texas, specifically in La Salle and Gillespie counties. This parasitic fly poses a significant threat to livestock, pets, and wildlife, leading to severe wounds and potential death. As a response, federal and state officials have initiated a comprehensive control strategy, including a 20-kilometer infested zone and heightened surveillance. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has increased the state's emergency response efforts. Amidst the outbreak, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins defended cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to screwworm monitoring programs, attributing the situation to previous administration inaction. Critics, including Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, argue that the USDA's response has been inadequate and too slow, warning of potential economic impacts on the already struggling cattle industry, which is facing its lowest herd levels in 75 years. The resurgence of screwworm could lead to increased animal deaths and treatment costs, exacerbating the challenges faced by the US beef supply.