Alarm as once-eradicated flesh-eating parasite found in calf in Texas

An alarming development for the US cattle industry has emerged with the confirmation of a flesh-eating parasite in a calf in Texas. The New World screwworm fly (NWS), rarely seen in the United States for six decades, was detected in the southern part of the state, near the Mexican border.

Agriculture officials in Texas and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) had been warning livestock owners about the parasite's spread through Mexico for over a year. The larvae of the screwworm fly feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Although the risk to humans is considered low, the parasite can spread rapidly in environments with large concentrations of cattle and other livestock.

Officials express concern about a potential resurgence, especially given the parasite's history. It was eradicated from the US in the 1970s, having caused tens of millions of dollars in losses. A comeback now is particularly worrying amid record-high food prices, especially for beef. While the flies do not pose a threat to food safety, officials fear potential shortages if the pest establishes itself in cattle and poultry populations.

“

For months, the screwworm has advanced rapidly through Mexico in spite of the USDA’s existing gameplan. Even though billions of sterile flies have been dispersed by USDA, the screwworm has still advanced over 1,100 miles from southern Mexico to Texas, and USDA has missed an important component. Now that it appears the first screwworm has arrived in Texas, the consequences of that decision are now staring us in the face.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller criticized the USDA's efforts, stating the screwworm has advanced rapidly through Mexico despite the USDA's plans. He noted that even with the dispersal of billions of sterile flies, the pest has moved over 1,100 miles into Texas. Miller suggested the USDA missed a crucial component in their strategy, and the consequences are now apparent.

Brooke Rollins, the agriculture secretary, defended her agency, assuring there is no threat of mass infestation and no reason to believe the pest will become established in the country. She confirmed the Texas case is the only one detected so far and the first in the state since 1966. Previous outbreaks, like one in Florida in 2016 among wild deer, were contained. To combat the spread, a new sterile fly production facility is being built in Edinburg, Texas, a measure intended to significantly reduce the screwworm fly population over time.

“

There is no threat of mass infestation. There is no reason to believe this incursion will result in establishment of the pest in our country.