USDA Reports New Cases of New World Screwworm in Texas, Assures Food Safety
USDA confirms two more cases of flesh-eating screwworm
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed two additional cases of New World screwworm in Texas, specifically in La Salle and Andrews counties. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the food supply remains safe and emphasized the government's commitment to controlling the pest with over $1 billion in investments.
- 01The New World screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s, with recent cases marking its return after 60 years.
- 02New cases were confirmed in La Salle County and Andrews County, Texas, with the first case detected in a calf.
- 03The screwworm poses a risk to livestock, particularly concerning as U.S. cattle numbers are at their lowest in 75 years.
- 04The USDA is actively involved in containment efforts, with federal officials on the ground in Texas.
- 05Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins reassured that the food supply is not at risk and the screwworm can be treated.
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On June 8, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the confirmation of two additional cases of the New World screwworm in Texas, specifically in La Salle County and Andrews County. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized that the U.S. food supply remains safe, stating, "This is not a virus, it's not a disease, it's just a little pest, a larva that lands in a calf's wound, for example, and it can be treated." The USDA confirmed a second case in Zavala County, located approximately 5.6 miles from the first case in La Pryor, Texas. The New World screwworm, a fly that burrows into the flesh of warm-blooded mammals, poses a significant risk to livestock, especially at a time when U.S. cattle numbers are at their lowest in 75 years. The federal government is investing over $1 billion to combat the spread of this pest, which had not been seen in the U.S. since its eradication in the 1960s. Rollins reassured the public that containment measures are being implemented effectively to protect livestock and the food supply.
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The return of the New World screwworm poses a threat to livestock health in Texas, which could impact local farmers and the agricultural economy.
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