Flesh-Eating Screwworms Confirmed in South Texas, Prompting Urgent Response
Not to Alarm Anyone, but Flesh-Eating Screwworms Have Entered the US
.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Image: Wired
The USDA confirmed a case of New World screwworm in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, marking the first breach of the US-Mexico border by this dangerous parasite. The USDA is implementing quarantine measures and increasing surveillance to protect livestock, which could face life-threatening infestations.
- 01The first confirmed case of New World screwworm in the US was found in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas.
- 02Screwworms pose a significant threat to livestock, as they lay eggs in wounds, leading to severe infections.
- 03The USDA is establishing a 12.4-mile quarantine zone around the infection site and increasing surveillance efforts.
- 04Screwworms were eradicated in the US in the 1960s, but recent breaches in Central America have allowed them to approach the US border.
- 05The USDA is constructing a $750 million sterile fly production facility in South Texas to combat the infestation.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the first case of New World screwworm in a three-week-old calf located in Zavala County, Texas. This marks a significant breach of the US-Mexico border by these harmful parasites, which have been advancing from Central America. The screwworm is notorious for laying eggs in the wounds of warm-blooded animals, leading to severe infections and potentially life-threatening conditions. In response, the USDA is implementing a 20-kilometer quarantine zone around the infection site and enhancing surveillance and trapping efforts. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the seriousness of the threat while addressing misinformation about the proximity of the infestation. The USDA is also constructing a $750 million sterile fly production facility in South Texas and releasing millions of sterile flies weekly to prevent further spread. Historically, screwworms were eradicated in the US during the 1960s through a concerted control effort, but recent breaches have raised concerns about their return.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The screwworm infestation poses a direct threat to livestock health in Texas, potentially leading to severe economic losses in the cattle industry.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How concerned are you about the screwworm outbreak affecting livestock?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.