New World Screwworm Cases Rise to Five in the US, Spreading to New Mexico
Deadly flesh-eating parasite spreads to second US state as cases rise to five

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The New World screwworm parasite has spread to New Mexico, marking five confirmed cases in the US. This dangerous parasite, which infests open wounds, poses a significant threat to livestock and potentially humans. Local officials seek federal assistance to combat the outbreak.
- 01The USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in New Mexico, found in a dog in Lea County.
- 02Four cases were previously identified in Texas, leading to local disaster declarations in three counties.
- 03Officials are urging President Trump to declare a national emergency for additional resources to combat the parasite.
- 04The New World screwworm can cause severe infections and is fatal if untreated, prompting urgent action from local authorities.
- 05Scientists warn that climate change could increase the risk of infestations in Gulf Coast states by 2055.
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The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed a fifth case of the New World screwworm, now detected in New Mexico. The parasite was found in a dog in Lea County, near Texas, where four cases were reported last week, primarily affecting livestock. The New World screwworm, known for laying eggs in open wounds, can lead to severe infections and death if untreated. Local officials in Texas have declared states of disaster in three counties and are requesting a national emergency declaration from President Trump to secure funding and resources. The outbreak follows infestations reported in southern Mexico, raising concerns about the parasite's spread. Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the need for vigilance among ranchers and livestock producers, urging them to check animals for wounds and report any suspected cases. As temperatures rise, scientists caution that Gulf Coast states may face increased risks of infestation in the coming decades, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
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The outbreak poses a significant threat to livestock health and local economies in affected areas.
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